tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/government/announcementsAnnouncements on GOV.UKHM Government2018-02-18T00:15:02+00:00tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3782342018-02-18T00:15:02+00:002018-02-18T00:15:02+00:00Press release: Two-thirds of motorists would risk their lives in a floodA survey by the Environment Agency and AA reveals two-thirds of drivers would risk their lives in flood<div class="govspeak">
<p>A shocking two-thirds of drivers would gamble with their safety by driving through floodwater – even though this is the leading cause of death during a flood, new figures have revealed.</p>
<p>In a survey commissioned by the Environment Agency and the AA, 68% of motorists admitted they’d take the risk rather than find a safer route.</p>
<p>The alarming figures emerge as the Environment Agency runs its campaign warning people across the country to be prepared for flooding in advance by <a rel="external" href="http://bit.ly/2j6469D">checking their risk and signing up for free warnings</a></p>
<p>The AA has rescued more than 14,500 drivers from floods since 2013 with the top spot being Rufford Lane in Newark, Nottinghamshire, where over 100 rescues have been carried out in the last 5 years.</p>
<p>Driving through floodwater puts the lives of drivers and their passengers on the line, risks the safety of emergency responders, and often causes serious damage to the vehicle, with three-quarters of flood-damaged cars ultimately being written off.</p>
<p>Caroline Douglass, Director of Incident Management and Resilience at the Environment Agency, said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The results of this survey are extremely concerning – no one should put their own life or those of their friends and family at risk during a flood. Just 30cm of water can float a family car, and smaller cars take even less.</p>
<p class="last-child">If you’re driving long distances this winter, please check online for any flood warnings in force along your route, and if you find your way blocked by floodwater, never take the risk – turn around and find another way.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Vince Crane, AA Patrol of the Year, said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>If the road ahead is flooded, don’t chance it - flood water can be deceptively deep and can mask other hazards on the road.</p>
<p>It only takes an egg-cupful of water to be sucked into your engine to wreck it and on many cars, the engine’s air intake is low down at the front.</p>
<p class="last-child">As well as the damage to your car, attempting to drive through flood water puts you and your passengers in danger - so it’s just not worth the risk.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The survey of more than 18,000 AA members, carried out by Populus also found that:</p>
<ul>
<li>Women in Yorkshire and Humber are the safest drivers in a flood, being the least likely to attempt to drive through flood water and the most likely to turn around and find another route.</li>
<li>Men in the South East and East of England are most likely to put themselves and their passengers in danger by driving through flood water – with nearly 3/4 (74%) saying that they would risk driving through rather than find an alternative route.</li>
<li>Under a third of all drivers would turn around and find another route if their way was blocked by flood water.</li>
<li>
<p>Men are more likely to drive through flood water than women – with 72% admitting that they would try it, compared with 60% of women.</p>
</li>
<li>People under 34 are slightly less likely to drive through flood water than those 35 and above, while the under-24s in London are the least likely to drive through flood water.</li>
</ul>
<p>5.2 million homes and businesses in England are at risk of flooding. This winter the Environment Agency is encouraging people to be prepared and stay safe during flooding by <a rel="external" href="https://floodsdestroy.campaign.gov.uk/">checking their flood risk online.</a></p>
<p>For more information on driving in heavy rain and standing water visit the <a rel="external" href="https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/seasonal/driving-through-flood-water">AA’s website.</a></p>
<p>The top 10 spots for rescues from flood water January 2013 – December 2017 were:</p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Location</th>
<th>Breakdown</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Rufford lane, Newark, Nottingham</td>
<td>101</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Slash Lane, Barrow upon Soar, Loughborough</td>
<td>77</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Houndsfield Lane, Shirley, Solihull</td>
<td>47</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bridgenorth Road, Trescott, Wolverhampton</td>
<td>39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Riverside, Eynsford, Dartford, Kent</td>
<td>39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bucklebury, West Berkshire</td>
<td>32</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mountsorrel, Loughborough</td>
<td>31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hawkswood Lane, Fulmer, Gerrards Cross</td>
<td>31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Winterbourne, Wiltshire</td>
<td>30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mill Lane, Brockenhurst, Hampshire</td>
<td>30</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3782172018-02-18T00:15:02+00:002018-02-18T00:15:02+00:00Press release: Government moves towards a shake-up of broken housing complaints systemGovernment considers options to ensure that no-one is left battling with their landlord or builder to resolve issues with their home.<div class="govspeak"><p>Dissatisfied tenants and homeowners across the country may be offered a lifeline as government considers options to ensure that no-one is left battling with their landlord or builder to resolve issues with their home, Housing Secretary Sajid Javid has announced.</p>
<p>From broken boilers to cracks in walls, the current choice of schemes risks leaving thousands without answers, with others having to manoeuvre between at least 4 different services just to work out where to register a complaint.</p>
<p>An 8 week <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/strengthening-consumer-redress-in-housing">consultation</a> beginning today (18 February 2018) will use people’s experiences to shape a simpler and better complaints system, so future disputes can be resolved faster and consumers can access compensation where it is owed.</p>
<p>Options considered in the consultation include:</p>
<ul>
<li>introducing a single housing ombudsman to cover the whole of the housing market</li>
<li>if homes builders should be required to join an ombudsman scheme, following on our commitment to expand redress to tenants of private landlord</li>
<li>naming and shaming poor practice to help tackle the worst abuses</li>
</ul>
<p>Housing Secretary Sajid Javid said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>For too long, tenants and homeowners have navigated multiple complaints procedures to resolve disputes about everyday household repairs and maintenance.</p>
<p>Fixing this housing crisis is about more than just building homes, it’s ensuring people have the answers available when something goes wrong.</p>
<p class="last-child">Today’s top-to- bottom review shows government is working hard to deliver a better and simpler system.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Unlike other areas, such as financial services that have a single and accountable ombudsman, housing has over 4 different complaints bodies.</p>
<p>In the private rented sector, there is currently no obligation for landlords to register with a complaints system and this can often leave thousands who do not use a property agent without any option for redress.</p>
<p>House builders are responsible for fixing incomplete work in new build homes but when this does not happen many consumers with snagging issues can find that they have nowhere left to turn.</p>
<p>This is just one of the steps the government is taking to solve the country’s housing crisis and improve the rental sector which 8.6 million households are part of.</p>
<p>From April we are introducing new measures to crack down on rogue landlords to ensure tenants are not being exploited by unscrupulous landlords who profit from providing overcrowded, squalid and sometimes dangerous homes.</p>
<p>Today’s consultation will be crucial to improving the complaints process across the market, driving forward a higher standard for service in housing.</p>
<h2 id="further-information">Further information</h2>
<p>The 8 week <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/strengthening-consumer-redress-in-housing">consultation</a> will provide an invaluable insight into the views and experiences of people, specifically addressing 3 key areas:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>the effectiveness of the current complaint process, or if more can be done to improve the experience</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>what standard of service should be expected and if a single housing ombudsman is needed</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>how to fill the existing gaps in the current system, such as private landlords not having to register with a redress scheme</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>The consultation will begin on the 18 February, with an online form being available to housing consumers until the 16 April 2018.</p>
<p>This consultation is open to all including: tenants, landlords, homeowners, and existing ombudsman schemes.</p>
<p>The Ministry will provide more information on future proposals to the housing redress process following the conclusion of this consultation.</p>
<p>Issues relating to social tenants will be considered in the social housing green paper, which is due to be published later in the year.</p>
<p>Currently, there are multiple providers of redress that cover some aspects of home buying and renting, but not all. Membership of ombudsman schemes is compulsory for some groups, but not for others.</p>
<p>In England, there are currently 3.9 million households in the social rented sector and 4.7 million in the private rented sector.</p>
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</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3782072018-02-18T00:15:02+00:002018-02-18T00:15:02+00:00Press release: It's time to start planning your royal wedding celebrationsHolding a street party is a great way to get together with your neighbours to celebrate this special day.<div class="govspeak"><p>With just 3 months to go until the royal wedding, it’s time to start thinking about how you can join in the celebrations on 19 May.</p>
<p>Holding a street party is a great way to get together with your neighbours to celebrate this special day and we’re providing a handy guide to organising one, including helpful tips and steps to take.</p>
<p>Our online guidance helps bust popular myths and provides a useful checklist and practical advice for what is needed to anyone planning their own street party.</p>
<p>Did you know for example that you don’t need a music licence if you want to play music at your street party? Or that you don’t need to buy expensive road signs - you can lend or hire them.</p>
<p>Many councils, from Bromley to Salford, have already announced that they are waiving charges for street party road closures, making it easier and cheaper than ever to hold celebrations. The government is urging other councils to follow suit.</p>
<p>When communities come together, acting in partnership with businesses and voluntary organisations, they can achieve amazing things. As past events like the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympic Games have shown, these same communities can also throw hugely fun parties and this year’s celebrations look to be bigger and better than ever.</p>
<p>Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Jake Berry MP said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>We’ve made it easier than ever for local residents from all backgrounds to come together to celebrate the royal wedding and we hope councils will get into the spirit by helping people wishing to organise street parties.</p>
<p class="last-child">With the FA Cup final taking place on the same day, there’s never been a better reason to hold a street party and our updated guidance makes clear the steps residents need to take to ensure an enjoyable and safe day is had by all.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The number one tip from our guidance is to plan early by getting in touch with your council at least 4-6 weeks in advance.</p>
<p>The guidance includes a simple form people can use to let their local council know about their plans and information on how to apply for a road closure as well as information on playing music, insurance and fund raising.</p>
<h2 id="further-information">Further information</h2>
<p>More helpful tips, advice and support for organising a successful event can be found on the <a rel="external" href="http://www.streetparty.org.uk/">Street Party website</a> and <a rel="external" href="https://www.edenprojectcommunities.com/thebiglunchhomepage">The Big Lunch website</a>.</p>
<p>If you are not be able to arrange a road closure for street party, you can still have an informal ‘street meet’ on a driveway, parking area, front garden or end of a cul-de-sac that does not require permission from the council as it is on private land. See further information on <a rel="external" href="http://www.streetparty.org.uk/residents/street-meet.aspx">street meets</a>.</p>
<p>See the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/your-guide-to-organising-a-street-party">guidance on holding a street party</a>. It is due to be updated very shortly.</p>
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</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3782412018-02-17T23:01:26+00:002018-02-17T23:01:26+00:00Press release: Charity Commission announces suite of steps on safeguardingRegulator announces summit on safeguarding in UK charities, alongside other measures.<div class="govspeak">
<p>The Charity Commission has announced a suite of measures to help ensure charities learn the wider lessons from recent safeguarding revelations involving Oxfam and other charities, and to strengthen public trust and confidence in charities.</p>
<h2 id="summit-on-safeguarding-in-uk-charities">Summit on safeguarding in UK charities</h2>
<p>The Secretary of State for International Development has already announced a joint DfID/Charity Commission safeguarding summit with charities and umbrella bodies working internationally.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/regulatory-alert-to-charities-safeguarding">As the Commission has consistently made clear</a>, the need to strengthen and assure safeguarding is not limited to charities working internationally. The Charity Commission is therefore announcing today a second summit for charities and umbrella bodies working in the UK, to be co-chaired by the Minister for Civil Society, Tracey Crouch MP.</p>
<p>The summit will be an opportunity to reaffirm how vital it is that safeguarding is a key governance priority for charities, and to:</p>
<ul>
<li>establish a shared understanding of the safeguarding challenges facing charities working in the UK and emphasise the importance of maintaining public trust in the sector</li>
<li>hear the sector’s ideas for solutions and what actions they are taking and will take</li>
<li>agree and commit to actions jointly and individually to strengthen the safeguarding capability and capacity of charities working across the UK</li>
</ul>
<p>Both summits will involve charity regulators in Scotland and Northern Ireland to ensure a coordinated approach across borders.</p>
<h3 id="helen-stephenson-cbe-chief-executive-of-the-charity-commission-said">Helen Stephenson CBE, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission said:</h3>
<blockquote>
<p>The Commission’s actions and messages over the past few years demonstrate the top priority we expect charities to give to safeguarding, and the priority we place on ensuring trustees meet their legal duties, and public expectations, around this.</p>
<p>But recent revelations have shocked us all and brought a new focus on how charities deal with these issues. We want to do everything we can, using our authority as regulator, to ensure that safeguarding is prioritised in all charities - not just those working with groups traditionally considered at risk. That’s what these two summits are about.</p>
<p class="last-child">At the heart of all this lies culture, governance and leadership in charities. Policies, procedures and formal systems – vital as they are – do not alone prevent safeguarding incidents, or ensure charities respond appropriately when incidents occur. The public rightly expect charities to be safe places, and for charity leaders to ensure their organisation lives its values, in everything they do.</p>
</blockquote>
<h2 id="new-charity-commission-taskforce-to-handle-the-recent-increase-in-safeguarding-incident-reports">New Charity Commission taskforce to handle the recent increase in safeguarding incident reports</h2>
<p>The Commission is establishing a taskforce, including staff from across the Commission, to deal with the increased volume of safeguarding serious incident reports which it is already experiencing since the Oxfam story first appeared. The team will also undertake proactive work to ensure prompt and full reporting of serious safeguarding incidents, and give advice to charities reporting safeguarding incidents on appropriate actions. In addition the team will undertake a ‘deep dive’ of existing serious incident reporting records to ensure any gaps in full and frank disclosure are identified and necessary follow up actions, for charities or the regulator, have been completed. We will intervene in serious cases where we are concerned that trustees are not fulfilling their legal duties.</p>
<p>Is is also reissuing its previous alert to all charities emphasising the importance of full and frank disclosure.</p>
<h3 id="helen-stephenson-said">Helen Stephenson said:</h3>
<blockquote>
<p class="last-child">Following alerts we issued in December 2017, and the recent public concerns following the events with Oxfam, we are already seeing increased reporting by charities, including historic incidents. While I am confident of the Commission’s record on tackling issues which have been fully and frankly reported, I want to be 100% certain that we have done everything in our power to ensure reports we received, including those which we have cause to believe may be incomplete or inadequate, were properly handled, ensure follow up and to give regulatory advice to charities on the right actions to take. The team’s work will reassure us, and the public, that charities have and are being transparent and open with the regulator, and that we are holding charities properly to account. It goes without saying that we will deal swiftly and robustly with concerns that this work discovers.</p>
</blockquote>
<h2 id="additional-safeguarding-expertise">Additional safeguarding expertise</h2>
<p>In addition to its existing engagement with various safeguarding experts in charities and across partner agencies, the regulator will also use independent experts on safeguarding, both in the international context and in the UK, to advise and support the work of the taskforce, the investigations team leading the Oxfam inquiry, and the two charity summits.</p>
<p>The Commission continues to work closely with other government departments, including DfID, law enforcement, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), and other agencies with specific safeguarding responsibilities such as the Care Quality Commission and social services, to ensure each accesses the right expertise and shares information appropriately, in order to strengthen the work across government to identify and respond to concerns about safeguarding in charities.</p>
<h2 id="communication-with-informants">Communication with informants</h2>
<p>Helen Stephenson has also said she wants the organisation to review the way in which it communicates with informants who raise serious regulatory concerns that result in regulatory action.</p>
<h3 id="she-said">She said:</h3>
<blockquote>
<p class="last-child">It has become clear to me over the past week or so that whistle-blowers who come to us with serious concerns about charities are not always made aware of the difference their reports have made. That can’t be right. People who make what is often a brave decision to come to the regulator with important information, should, where appropriate, be reassured that we have acted on their concerns. So I want us to look carefully at the way in which we communicate with those who bring vital information to us that leads to serious regulatory action.</p>
</blockquote>
<h2 id="key-recent-work-on-safeguarding-by-regulator">Key recent work on safeguarding by regulator</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/safeguarding-is-a-key-governance-priority-for-all-charities-regulator-reminds-trustees">Annual report on compliance case work</a> published in February 2018 – report highlights growing case work involving safeguarding issues, and reminds charities to prioritise safeguarding in their charities.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/strategy-for-dealing-with-safeguarding-issues-in-charities">Safeguarding strategy</a> updated in December 2017: the new strategy makes clear that safeguarding is a key governance priority for all charities, not just those working with groups traditionally considered vulnerable. It also says charities must “provide a safe and trusted environment which safeguards anyone who comes into contact with it including beneficiaries, staff and volunteers”.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/regulatory-alert-to-charities-safeguarding">Safeguarding alert</a> issued in December 2017 warning charities to a) report incidents now if they have failed to in the past and b) review their safeguarding policy and procedures if they have not done so in the last 12 months. The Commission will reissue that alert to all charities emphasising the importance of full and frank disclosure.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/regulatory-alert-for-military-charities">Safeguarding alert</a> issued in October 2017 to newly registered veterans charities, following a proactive case-working project which highlighted concerns around safeguarding in some newly registered military charities.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-report-a-serious-incident-in-your-charity">Guidance on reporting serious incidents</a> – updated in September 2017. This followed a consultation with charities. In publishing the new guidance, the Commission highlighted its concerns that charities continue to underreport incidents.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="ends">Ends</h2>
<h3 id="notes-to-editors">Notes to editors</h3>
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<ol>
<li>The Charity Commission is the regulator of charities in England and Wales.</li>
<li>On 15 February 2018, the Commission set out the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/charity-regulator-sets-out-scope-of-statutory-inquiry-into-oxfam">scope of its inquiry into Oxfam</a>.</li>
<li>Reports detailing the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/charity-commission-reports-decisions-alerts-and-statements">conclusions and outcomes of the Commission’s case work</a> can be found on GOV.UK.</li>
<li>On February 12, the Secretary of State for International Development <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-from-international-development-secretary-on-oxfam-and-uk-action-to-tackle-sexual-exploitation-in-the-aid-sector">issued a statement setting out a series of measures to tackle sexual exploitation and abuse</a>, and wrote to UK charities working overseas funded by the Department, calling on them to step up and do more on these issues. Yesterday (16 February) she issued a further statement which is available on <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-from-the-international-development-secretary-on-oxfam">GOV.UK</a>. Contact details: 020 7023 0600.</li>
</ol>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3782402018-02-17T22:00:00+00:002018-02-17T22:00:00+00:00News story: DVSA steps up safeguards to protect learner driversThe Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has confirmed driving instructors who have relationships with learner drivers could be removed from the register.<div class="govspeak"><p>Jacqui Turland, the <abbr title="Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency">DVSA</abbr> Approved Driving Instructor (<abbr title="approved driving instructor">ADI</abbr>) Registrar, has confirmed that she will treat driving instructors having sexual relationships with 16 and 17-year-old pupils as exploitation, even if it’s consensual.</p>
<p>If an instructor is considered a high risk to learners, they face being removed from the <abbr title="approved driving instructor">ADI</abbr> register.</p>
<p>There are currently around 39,000 driving instructors in Great Britain and the majority of those offer a high standard of tuition and pride themselves on delivering excellent customer service.</p>
<p>It’s important that learner drivers get a high-quality service from their instructor. Learners and their parents need to be confident that their instructor will:</p>
<ul>
<li>act in a professional manner at all times</li>
<li>provide them with the skills they need to drive safely on modern roads</li>
</ul>
<p>To ensure the safety of learner drivers, all driving instructors are subject to enhanced criminal record checks which must be renewed every 4 years.</p>
<h2 id="serious-allegations-of-improper-behaviour">Serious allegations of improper behaviour</h2>
<p>However, from April 2016 to March 2017 there were 109 investigations into instructor misconduct, which includes inappropriate sexual behaviour and other offences.</p>
<p><abbr title="Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency">DVSA</abbr> will investigate serious allegations of improper behaviour and refer its findings to the police. These allegations include instructors:</p>
<ul>
<li>using sexualised language</li>
<li>using unnecessary physical contact</li>
<li>making inappropriate contact with their pupils</li>
<li>sending indecent messages or images to their pupils</li>
</ul>
<p>Andy Rice, <abbr title="Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency">DVSA</abbr> Head of Counter-Fraud and Investigations, said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><abbr title="Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency">DVSA</abbr>’s priority is to help you through a lifetime of safe driving.</p>
<p>We take the safety of learner drivers extremely seriously and will thoroughly investigate any complaints about the conduct of instructors and will involve the police where necessary.</p>
<p class="last-child">Any driving instructors threatening the safety of learner drivers and failing to meet the ‘fit and proper’ criteria will be removed from the <abbr title="approved driving instructor">ADI</abbr> register.</p>
</blockquote>
<h2 id="unacceptable-behaviour-and-contractual-issues">Unacceptable behaviour and contractual issues</h2>
<p><abbr title="Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency">DVSA</abbr> is also reminding learner drivers that:</p>
<ul>
<li>it’s illegal for driving instructors to use a hand-held phone while the learner is driving</li>
<li>it’s unacceptable for instructors to be impatient, shout or swear at them during their lessons</li>
</ul>
<p>You should also report any contractual issues you have with your instructor to <abbr title="Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency">DVSA</abbr>, such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>lessons that are shorter than agreed</li>
<li>the instructor arriving late</li>
<li>the instructor cancelling lessons</li>
<li>failing to provide pre-paid lessons</li>
</ul>
<p><abbr title="Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency">DVSA</abbr> will ask the instructor about the matter on your behalf. However, <abbr title="Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency">DVSA</abbr> can’t help you get any money back.</p>
<div class="call-to-action">
<p>Find out how to <a href="https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-a-driving-instructor">complain about a driving instructor’s service or behaviour</a>.</p>
</div>
<h2 id="choosing-a-driving-instructor">Choosing a driving instructor</h2>
<p>The best place to <a href="https://www.gov.uk/find-driving-schools-and-lessons">find a fully-qualified driving instructor</a> that meets your needs is on GOV.UK</p>
<p>When you use this service, you can check if instructors agree to follow the voluntary <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/driving-instructor-code-of-practice/approved-driving-instructor-adi-code-of-practice">driving instructor code of practice</a>. This sets out how they should behave in their personal conduct and business dealings.</p>
<p>All the driving instructors listed have passed enhanced criminal record checks and had their ability to teach assessed to a set standard.</p>
<div role="note" aria-label="Information" class="application-notice info-notice">
<p>Driving instructors choose whether or not to be listed on this service, so not all qualified instructors will be shown.</p>
</div>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3782392018-02-17T11:23:52+00:002018-02-17T11:23:52+00:00Speech: PM speech at Munich Security Conference: 17 February 2018Prime Minister Theresa May's speech at the 2018 Munich Security Conference.<div class="govspeak"><p>For more than half a century, this conference has brought nations together from Europe and across the Atlantic to forge our common security.</p>
<p>The fundamental values we share - respect for human dignity, human rights, freedom, democracy and equality - have created common cause to act together in our shared interest.</p>
<p>The rules-based system we helped to develop has enabled global cooperation to protect those shared values.</p>
<p>Today as globalisation brings nations closer together than ever before, we face a host of new and growing threats that seek to undermine those rules and values.</p>
<p>As internal and external security become more and more entwined - with hostile networks no longer only rooted in state-based aggression and weapons designed not just to be deployed on the battlefield but through cyberspace - so our ability to keep our people safe depends ever more on working together.</p>
<p>That is reflected here today in the world’s largest gathering of its kind, with representatives of more than seventy countries.</p>
<p>For our part, the United Kingdom has always understood that our security and prosperity is bound to global security and prosperity.</p>
<p>We are a global nation – enriching global prosperity through centuries of trade, through the talents of our people and by exchanging learning and culture with partners across the world.</p>
<p>And we invest in global security knowing this is how we best protect our people at home and abroad.</p>
<p>That is why we are the second largest defence spender in NATO, and the only EU member to spend 2 per cent of our GDP on defence as well as 0.7 per cent of our Gross National Income on international development. And it is why we will continue to meet these commitments.</p>
<p>It is why we have created a highly developed set of security and defence relationships: with the US and Five Eyes partners, with the Gulf and increasingly with Asian partners too.</p>
<p>We have invested in critical capabilities - including our nuclear deterrent, our two new aircraft carriers, our world class special forces and intelligence agencies.</p>
<p>We are a leading contributor to international missions from fighting Daesh in Iraq and Syria to peacekeeping in South Sudan and Cyprus, and NATO missions in Eastern Europe.</p>
<p>And within Europe we are working ever more closely with our European partners, bringing the influence and impact that comes from our full range of global relationships.</p>
<p>And we want to continue this co-operation as we leave the European Union.</p>
<p>The British people took a legitimate democratic decision to bring decision making and accountability closer to home.</p>
<p>But it has always been the case that our security at home is best advanced through global cooperation, working with institutions that support that, including the EU.</p>
<p>Changing the structures by which we work together should not mean we lose sight of our common aim – the protection of our people and the advance of our common interests across the world.</p>
<p>So as we leave the EU and forge a new path for ourselves in the world, the UK is just as committed to Europe’s security in the future as we have been in the past.</p>
<p>Europe’s security is our security. And that is why I have said – and I say again today - that the United Kingdom is unconditionally committed to maintaining it.</p>
<p>The challenge for all of us today is finding the way to work together, through a deep and special partnership between the UK and the EU, to retain the co-operation that we have built and go further in meeting the evolving threats we face together.</p>
<p>This cannot be a time when any of us allow competition between partners, rigid institutional restrictions or deep-seated ideology to inhibit our co-operation and jeopardise the security of our citizens.</p>
<p>We must do whatever is most practical and pragmatic in ensuring our collective security.</p>
<p>Today I want to set out how I believe we can achieve this – taking this opportunity to establish a new security partnership that can keep our people safe, now and in the years ahead.</p>
<h4 id="safeguarding-our-internal-security">Safeguarding our internal security</h4>
<p>Let me start with how we ensure security within Europe.</p>
<p>The threats we face do not recognise the borders of individual nations or discriminate between them.</p>
<p>We all in this room have shared the pain and heartbreak of terrorist atrocities at home.</p>
<p>It is almost a year since the despicable attack on Westminster, followed by further attacks in Manchester and London.</p>
<p>These people don’t care if they kill and maim Parisians, Berliners, Londoners or Mancunians because it is the common values that we all share which they seek to attack and defeat.</p>
<p>But I say: we will not let them.</p>
<p>When these atrocities occur, people look to us as leaders to provide the response.</p>
<p>We must all ensure that nothing prevents us from fulfilling our first duty as leaders: to protect our citizens.</p>
<p>And we must find the practical ways to ensure the co-operation to do so.</p>
<p>We have done so before.</p>
<p>When Justice and Home Affairs ceased to be intergovernmental and became a shared EU competence, of course there were some in the UK who would have had us adopt the EU’s approach wholesale, just as there were some who would have had us reject it outright.</p>
<p>As Home Secretary, I was determined to find a practical and pragmatic way in which the UK and EU could continue to co-operate on our common security.</p>
<p>That is why I reviewed each provision in turn and successfully made the case for the UK to opt back in to those that were clearly in our national interest.</p>
<p>Through the relationship we have developed, the UK has been at the forefront of shaping the practical and legal arrangements that underpin our internal security co-operation.</p>
<p>And our contribution to those arrangements is vital in protecting European citizens in cities right across our continent.</p>
<p>First our practical co-operation, including our expedited extradition and mutual legal assistance relationship, means wanted or convicted serious criminals - and the evidence to support their convictions - move seamlessly between the UK and EU Member States.</p>
<p>So when a serious terrorist like Zakaria Chadili was found living in the UK - a young man who was believed to have been radicalised in Syria and was wanted for terrorist offences in France - there was no delay in ensuring he was extradited back to France and brought to justice.</p>
<p>He is one of 10,000 people the UK has extradited through the European Arrest Warrant. In fact, for every person arrested on a European Arrest Warrant issued by the UK, the UK arrests eight on European Arrest Warrants issued by other Member States.</p>
<p>The European Arrest Warrant has also played a crucial role in supporting police co-operation between Northern Ireland and Ireland – which has been a fundamental part of the political settlement there.</p>
<p>Second, co-operation between our law enforcement agencies means the UK is one of the biggest contributors of data, information and expertise to Europol. Take for example, Operation Triage where police in the UK worked extensively with Europol and the Czech Republic to crack a trafficking gang involved in labour exploitation.</p>
<p>Third, through the Schengen Information System II, the UK is contributing to the sharing of real-time data on wanted criminals, missing persons and suspected terrorists. About a fifth of all alerts are circulated by the UK, with over 13,000 hits on people and objects of interest to law enforcement across Europe in the last year alone.</p>
<p>The UK has also driven a pan-EU approach to processing passenger data, enabling the identification and tracking of criminals, victims of trafficking and those individuals vulnerable to radicalisation.</p>
<p>In all these areas, people across Europe are safer because of this co-operation and the unique arrangements we have developed between the UK and EU institutions in recent years.</p>
<p>So it is in all our interests to find ways to protect the capabilities which underpin this co-operation when the UK becomes a European country outside the EU but in a new partnership with it.</p>
<p>To make this happen will require real political will on both sides.</p>
<p>I recognise there is no existing security agreement between the EU and a third country that captures the full depth and breadth of our existing relationship.</p>
<p>But there is precedent for comprehensive, strategic relationships between the EU and third countries in other fields, such as trade. And there is no legal or operational reason why such an agreement could not be reached in the area of internal security.</p>
<p>However, if the priority in the negotiations becomes avoiding any kind of new co-operation with a country outside the EU, then this political doctrine and ideology will have damaging real world consequences for the security of all our people, in the UK and the EU.</p>
<p>Let’s be clear about what would happen if the means of this co-operation were abolished.</p>
<p>Extradition under the European Arrest Warrant would cease. Extradition outside the European Arrest Warrant can cost four times as much and take three times as long.</p>
<p>It would mean an end to the significant exchange of data and engagement through Europol.</p>
<p>And it would mean the UK would no longer be able to secure evidence from European partners quickly through the European Investigation Order, with strict deadlines for gathering evidence requested, instead relying on slower, more cumbersome systems.</p>
<p>This would damage us both and would put all our citizens at greater risk.</p>
<p>As leaders, we cannot let that happen.</p>
<p>So we need, together, to demonstrate some real creativity and ambition to enable us to meet the challenges of the future as well as today.</p>
<p>That is why I have proposed a new Treaty to underpin our future internal security relationship.</p>
<p>The Treaty must preserve our operational capabilities. But it must also fulfil three further requirements.</p>
<p>It must be respectful of the sovereignty of both the UK and the EU’s legal orders. So, for example, when participating in EU agencies the UK will respect the remit of the European Court of Justice.</p>
<p>And a principled but pragmatic solution to close legal co-operation will be needed to respect our unique status as a third country with our own sovereign legal order.</p>
<p>As I have said before, we will need to agree a strong and appropriate form of independent dispute resolution across all the areas of our future partnership in which both sides can have the necessary confidence.</p>
<p>We must also recognise the importance of comprehensive and robust data protection arrangements.</p>
<p>The UK’s Data Protection Bill will ensure that we are aligned with the EU framework. But we want to go further and seek a bespoke arrangement to reflect the UK’s exceptionally high standards of data protection. And we envisage an ongoing role for the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office, which would be beneficial in providing stability and confidence for EU and UK individuals and businesses alike.</p>
<p>And we’re ready to start working through this with colleagues in the European Commission now.</p>
<p>Finally, just as we have been able to develop the agreement on passenger name records in the face of terrorist atrocities in recent years, so the Treaty must have an ability to ensure that as the threats we face change and adapt - as they surely will - our relationship has the capacity to move with them.</p>
<p>Nothing must get in the way of our helping each other in every hour of every day to keep our people safe.</p>
<p>If we put this at the heart of our mission – we can and will find the means.</p>
<p>And we cannot delay discussions on this.
EU Member States have been clear how critical it is that we maintain existing operational capabilities.</p>
<p>We must now move with urgency to put in place the Treaty that will protect all European citizens wherever they are in the continent.</p>
<h4 id="external-security">External security</h4>
<p>But clearly our security interests don’t stop at edge of our continent.</p>
<p>Not only do the threats to our internal security emanate from beyond our borders, as we look at the world today we are also facing profound challenges to the global order: to peace, prosperity, to the rules-based system that underpins our very way of life.</p>
<p>And in the face of these challenges, I believe it is our defining responsibility to come together and reinvigorate the transatlantic partnership - and the full breadth of all our global alliances – so that we can protect our shared security and project our shared values.</p>
<p>The United Kingdom is not only unwavering in its commitment to this partnership, we see reinvigorating it as a fundamental part of our global role as we leave the European Union.</p>
<p>As a Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council, as a leading contributor to NATO and as America’s closest partner, we have never defined our global outlook primarily through our membership of the European Union or by a collective European foreign policy.</p>
<p>So upon leaving the EU, it is right that the UK will pursue an independent foreign policy.</p>
<p>But around the world, the interests that we will seek to project and defend will continue to be rooted in our shared values.</p>
<p>That is true whether fighting the ideologies of Daesh, developing a new global approach to migration, ensuring the Iranian nuclear deal is properly policed or standing up to Russia’s hostile actions, whether in Ukraine, the Western Balkans or in cyberspace.
And in all these cases, our success depends on a breadth of partnership that extends far beyond the institutional mechanisms for cooperation with the EU.</p>
<p>That means doing more to develop bi-lateral co-operation between European nations, as I was pleased to do with President Macron at last month’s UK-France Summit.</p>
<p>It means building the ad hoc groupings which allow us to counter terrorism and hostile state threats, as we do through the 30 strong intergovernmental European Counter Terrorism Group – the largest of its kind in the world.</p>
<p>It means ensuring that a reformed NATO alliance remains the cornerstone of our shared security.</p>
<p>And, critically, it means both Europe and the United States reaffirming our resolve to the collective security of this continent, and to advancing the democratic values on which our interests are founded.</p>
<p>Taken together, it is only by strengthening and deepening this full range of partnerships within Europe and beyond that we will be able to respond together to the evolving threats we face.</p>
<p>So what does this mean for the future security partnership between the UK and the EU?</p>
<p>We need a partnership that respects both the decision-making autonomy of the European Union and the sovereignty of the United Kingdom.</p>
<p>This is fully achievable. The EU’s common foreign policy is distinct within the EU Treaties and our foreign policies will keep evolving. So, there is no reason why we should not agree distinct arrangements for our foreign and defence policy cooperation in the time-limited implementation period, as the Commission has proposed. This would mean that key aspects of our future partnership in this area would already be effective from 2019.</p>
<p>We shouldn’t wait where we don’t need to.
In turn, if the EU and its remaining Member States believe that the best means to increase the contribution Europe makes to our collective security is through deeper integration, then the UK will look to work with you. And help you to do so in a way which strengthens NATO and our wider alliances too, as EU leaders have repeatedly made clear.</p>
<p>The partnership that we need to create is therefore one which offers the UK and the EU the means and choice to combine our efforts to the greatest effect - where this is in our shared interest.</p>
<p>To put this into practice so that we meet the threats we all face today and build the capabilities we all need for tomorrow, there are three areas on which we should focus.</p>
<p>First, at a diplomatic level, we should have the means to consult each other regularly on the global challenges we face, and coordinate how we use the levers we hold where our interests align.</p>
<p>In particular, we will want to continue to work closely together on sanctions. We will look to carry over all EU sanctions at the time of our departure. And we will all be stronger if the UK and EU have the means to co-operate on sanctions now and potentially to develop them together in the future.</p>
<p>Second, it is clearly in our shared interests to be able to continue to coordinate and deliver operationally on the ground.</p>
<p>Of course, we will continue to work with and alongside each other.</p>
<p>But where we can both be most effective by the UK deploying its significant capabilities and resources with and indeed through EU mechanisms – we should both be open to that.</p>
<p>On defence, if the UK and EU’s interests can best be furthered by the UK continuing to contributing to an EU operation or mission as we do now, then we should both be open to that.</p>
<p>And similarly, while the UK will decide how we spend the entirety of our foreign aid in the future, if a UK contribution to EU development programmes and instruments can best deliver our mutual interests, we should both be open to that.</p>
<p>But if we are to choose to work together in these ways, the UK must be able to play an appropriate role in shaping our collective actions in these areas.</p>
<p>Third, it will also be in our interests to continue working together on developing the capabilities – in defence, cyber and space - to meet future threats.</p>
<p>The UK spends around 40 per cent of Europe’s total on defence R&amp;D. This investment provides a sizeable stimulus to improve Europe’s competitiveness and capability. And this is to the benefit of us all.</p>
<p>So an open and inclusive approach to European capability development - that fully enables British defence industry to participate - is in our strategic security interests, helping keep European citizens safe and Europe’s defence industries strong.</p>
<p>And Eurofighter Typhoon is a great example of this – a partnership between the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain which has supported over 10,000 highly skilled jobs across Europe.</p>
<p>This is also why the UK wants to agree a future relationship with the European Defence Fund and the European Defence Agency, so that jointly we can research and develop the best future capability that Europe can muster.</p>
<p>Last year’s ‘NotPetya’ cyber-attack showed why we also need to work closely to defend our interests in cyber space.</p>
<p>This reckless attack - which the UK and partners have attributed to Russia - disrupted organisations across Europe costing hundreds of millions of pounds.</p>
<p>To contend with a truly global threat such as this we need a truly global response - with not only the UK and EU, but industry, government, likeminded states and NATO all working together to strengthen our cyber security capabilities.</p>
<p>And as our lives move increasingly online, so we will also become increasingly reliant on space technologies. Space is a domain like any other where hostile actors will seek to threaten us.</p>
<p>So we very much welcome the EU’s efforts to develop Europe’s capabilities in this field. We need to keep open all the options which will enable the UK and the EU to collaborate in the most effective way possible. The UK hosts much of Europe’s cutting edge capabilities on space and we have played a leading role, for example, in the development of the Galileo programme.</p>
<p>We are keen for this to continue as part of our new partnership, but, as is the case more widely, we need to get the right agreements concluded which will allow the UK and its businesses to take part on a fair and open basis.</p>
<h4 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h4>
<p>It was the tragic massacre at the 1972 Olympics here in Munich which subsequently inspired a British Foreign Secretary, Jim Callaghan, to propose an intergovernmental group aimed at co-ordinating European counter terrorism and policing.</p>
<p>At the time this was outside the formal mechanisms of the European Community. But in time, it became the foundations for the co-operation that we have on Justice and Home Affairs today.</p>
<p>Now, as then, we can – and must - think pragmatically and practically to create the arrangements that put the safety of our citizens first.</p>
<p>For ours is a dynamic relationship, not a set of transactions.</p>
<p>A relationship built on an unshakeable commitment to our shared values.</p>
<p>A relationship in which we must all invest if we are to be responsive and adaptive to threats which will emerge perhaps more rapidly than any of us can imagine.</p>
<p>A relationship in which we must all play our full part in keeping our continent safe and free, and reinvigorate the transatlantic alliance and rules based system on which our shared security depends.</p>
<p>Those who threaten our security would like nothing more than to see us fractured.</p>
<p>They would like nothing more than to see us put debates about mechanisms and means ahead of doing what is most practical and effective in keeping our people safe.</p>
<p>So let the message ring out loud and clear today: we will not let that happen.</p>
<p>We will together protect and project our values in the world – and we will keep our people safe - now and in the years to come.</p>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3782292018-02-17T09:00:01+00:002018-02-17T09:00:01+00:00News story: £260m deal signed to keep RAF giants flyingA £260 million agreement with the United States Government to support RAF C-17 heavy lift transport aircraft into the next decade has been signed by the MOD, Defence Minister Guto Bebb announced today.<div class="govspeak"><p>The Foreign Military Sale agreement will provide support for the RAF’s fleet of eight C-17A Globemaster III aircraft, which provided lifesaving humanitarian relief following Hurricane Irma last summer.</p>
<p>Defence Minister Guto Bebb said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="last-child">Our C-17 giants take everything from heavy equipment to vital troops to where they’re needed right across the globe. This deal keeps them in the air into the next decade and affirms our leadership, alongside our American allies, in providing global security and humanitarian aid as we stand together in defence of our shared values.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This bilateral deal will deliver spares, design services, reliability and maintenance improvements, access to technical resources, and RAF aircrew and maintenance crew training programmes.</p>
<p>It will sustain more than 50 jobs in the UK through the support of a Boeing team at RAF Brize Norton, the home of the UK’s C-17 operators, 99 Squadron RAF. Further work will be carried out in the US at Boeing facilities in San Antonio, Texas.</p>
<figure class="image embedded"><div class="img"><img src="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/image_data/file/71840/c17gov2.jpg" alt="An RAF C17 transport aircraft pictured in transit. Crown Copyright."></div>
<figcaption>An RAF C17 transport aircraft pictured in transit. Crown Copyright.</figcaption></figure>
<p>The new agreement, which extends and builds upon support arrangements that have existed since the C-17 came into UK service in 2001, will run until 2022.</p>
<p>As part of the UK’s Joint Rapid Reaction Force, the C-17 provides the RAF with long-range strategic heavy-lift ability, meaning it can deliver equipment and supplies close to where UK troops are on operations. Support for the RAF’s C-17 fleet is delivering an important need laid out in the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015.</p>
<p>Defence Equipment &amp; Support Chief of Materiel (Air), Air Marshal Julian Young, said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The signature of this deal has come about through the close relationship the Ministry of Defence has with our counterparts in the US, and will deliver world-leading support for the front line.</p>
<p class="last-child">It means the UK will be able to continue to depend on the C-17’s remarkable capabilities in support of operations all over the world.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>With a maximum airspeed of around 510 miles per hour, the jet can transport 77 tonnes of cargo, equivalent to three Apache attack helicopters or a Challenger 2 tank, and has a wingspan equivalent to the length of five double-decker buses.</p>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3779732018-02-17T08:45:28+00:002018-02-17T08:45:28+00:00Press release: Appeal your tax bill onlineA new digital service is allowing people to submit appeals over their tax bill entirely online. <div class="govspeak"><p>The initiative means people no longer have to print out, manually fill in and post their forms. It is also drastically cutting the number of applications being returned, as incomplete or inaccurate forms can be amended over the phone with the help of HMCTS staff.</p>
<p>Over 2,000 taxpayers have already benefitted from the quicker, streamlined system, with on average a quarter of appeals made online since the scheme was introduced.</p>
<p>The move is part of the Government’s £1 billion investment to digitise the court service, making it quicker, simpler, and easier to access for everyone.</p>
<p>Justice Minister Lucy Frazer said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>We are spending £1billion on transforming the justice system so it is fit for the digital age.</p>
<p class="last-child">Allowing people to submit their tax appeals online is just one example of how we are making the system quicker, smarter, and much more user-friendly.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Online appeals are submitted to the tax tribunal service so that the case can be considered by a judge and, if necessary, proceed to a hearing.</p>
<p>The simplified forms spell out exactly what steps applicants must have already taken, preventing people from wasting time submitting applications which are then returned.</p>
<p>The online tax system continues to develop and in the early stages of 2018 will be extended to cater for an increased range of business.</p>
<p>Other examples of the government’s court reforms which are making access to justice easier for everyone include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Launching the first divorce application services online at four sites - making the process easier to understand for divorce applicants and helping to progress applications.</li>
<li>A new paperless system, in operation at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court, which means thousands of offenders caught dodging fares or using fraudulent tickets can now be punished more swiftly and effectively.</li>
<li>The increased use of video links - meaning more vulnerable victims can give evidence away from the courtroom and without having to meet their attacker face to face.</li>
</ul>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3782112018-02-17T00:15:43+00:002018-02-17T00:15:43+00:00Press release: New tougher electrical safety standards to protect private tenantsRecommended new safety measures to better protect private tenants have been published for consultation.<div class="govspeak"><p>Recommended new safety measures to better protect private tenants by reducing the risk of electric shocks or fires caused by electrical faults were published for <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/electrical-safety-in-the-private-rented-sector">consultation</a> today (17 February 2018) by Housing Minister Heather Wheeler.</p>
<p>Five yearly mandatory electrical installation safety checks for all private rented properties and safety certificates for tenants, to prove checks and repair work have been completed, are part of a package of independent recommendations to improve safety.</p>
<p>The government is also consulting on how best to enforce the strengthened safety regime along with whether landlords who do not comply should face tough penalties of up to £30,000.</p>
<p>As well as making homes safer for tenants, electrical installation improvements benefit the landlord as a material improvement to their properties, helping prevent fires which could cause costly and significant damage.</p>
<p>According to the most recent data tenants in the private rented sector face a higher risk of electrical shock and fires caused by electrical faults in their homes compared to social housing tenants.</p>
<p>To address this the government introduced new powers in the Housing and Planning Act 2016 to set and enforce tougher electrical safety standards in the private rented sector and established a working group of independent experts from industry and a range of other sectors to develop recommendations.</p>
<p>This builds on other measures already introduced or planned to improve the quality of private rented properties including fines of up to £30,000 for rogue landlords and agents and banning orders for the worst offenders.</p>
<p>The government is also supporting a Private Member’s Bill which will require all landlords to ensure their properties are safe and give tenants the right to take legal action.</p>
<p>Housing Minister Heather Wheeler said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Everyone deserves a safe place to live. While measures are already in place to crack down on the minority of landlords who rent out unsafe properties we need to do more to protect tenants.</p>
<p>That’s why we introduced powers to enable stronger electrical safety standards to be brought in along with tough penalties for those who don’t comply.</p>
<p class="last-child">We want to ensure we strike the right balance between protecting tenants while being fair for landlords. So I want to hear from as many people as possible whether these independent recommendations are the right approach.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Independent recommendations published for consultation today, include:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>5 yearly mandatory electrical installation safety checks for all private rented properties.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Mandatory safety certificates confirming installation checks have been completed along with any necessary repair work provided to both landlord and tenants at the beginning of the tenancy and made available to the local authority on request.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>A private rented sector electrical testing competent person’s scheme should be established to ensure properly trained experts undertake this work. This would be separate from existing building regulations competent person.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Landlord supplied electrical appliance testing and visual checks of electrical appliances by landlords at a change of tenancy should be promoted as good practice and set out in guidance.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Today’s consultation seeks views on each of the safety recommendations as well as how best to approach enforcement – including what the penalty for non-compliance should be.</p>
<p>Final proposals will follow the conclusion of Dame Judith Hackitt’s <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-review-of-building-regulations-and-fire-safety-interim-report">Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety</a>. Dame Judith is due to submit her final report to ministers in spring this year.</p>
<p>Legislative powers only cover the private rented sector. We will publish a social housing green paper in spring which will cover a wide range of issues including the safety and quality of social housing.</p>
<p>The government has also provided UK consumers with the highest ever levels of protection, investing an extra £12 million each year in the product safety system through the new <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/office-for-product-safety-and-standards">Office for Product Safety and Standards</a>.</p>
<h2 id="further-information">Further information</h2>
<p>See the consultation: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/electrical-safety-in-the-private-rented-sector">Electrical safety in the private rented sector</a>. The consultation runs until Monday 16 April 2018.</p>
<p>Latest data from the English Housing Survey (2015-16) shows 60% of homes in the private rented sector had all 5 recommended electrical safety features installed compared to 74% of local authority homes and 76% of housing association homes. These 5 features are modern PVC wiring, modern earthing, modern consumer units, miniature circuit breakers and Residual Current Devices.</p>
<p>As part of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 the government introduced powers to set requirements for electrical safety standards in the private rented sector along with their enforcement through secondary legislation. A working group of independent experts was established to provide recommendations to ministers.</p>
<p>Representatives from the following organisations were part of the working group: Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, British Gas, Electrical Safety First, Chief Fire Officers Association, Association of Residential Letting Agents, Shelter, Residential Landlords Association, National Approved Lettings Scheme, British Property Federation, National Landlords Association, Local Government Association, Chartered Institution of Environmental Health, Institution of Engineering and Technology, NAPIT and Electrical Safety Round Table and the Health and Safety Executive.</p>
<p>There are existing regulatory requirements to help protect tenants:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>mandatory 5 yearly electrical installation checks for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords to keep installations in the property, including the supply of electricity, in good repair and proper working order</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>building regulations since 2010 have required all circuits in new or rewired homes to comply with the wiring rules in BS 7671 and include the installation of a Residual Current Device (RCD) covering any new circuits in the consumer unit since July 2008</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>local authorities have powers, through the Housing Act 2004, to take action where there are electrical hazards in a property</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Government has announced tough new powers to crack down on bad practices, stamp out overcrowding and improve standards for those renting in the private sector: Current and proposed powers include:</p>
<ul>
<li>introduction of civil penalties of up to £30,000 as an alternative to prosecution</li>
<li>extension of Rent Repayment Orders to cover illegal eviction, breach of a banning order or failure to comply with a statutory notice</li>
<li>database of rogue landlords/letting agents convicted of certain offences from April 2018</li>
<li>banning orders for the most serious and prolific offenders from April 2018</li>
<li>introduced protection for tenants against retaliatory eviction where they have a legitimate complaint and stopped landlords from serving an open-ended eviction notice at the start of a tenancy</li>
<li>required landlords to install smoke alarms on every floor of their property, and test them at the start of every tenancy, and to install carbon monoxide alarms in high risk rooms</li>
<li>councils can make a direction to remove permitted development rights to convert properties where there are local concerns about the change of use</li>
<li>government supports the further measures in <a rel="external" href="https://services.parliament.uk/bills/2017-19/homesfitnessforhumanhabitationandliabilityforhousingstandards.html">Karen Buck MP’s Private Member’s Bill</a> to protect tenants in both the social and private rented sectors, which passed at the second reading on Friday 19 January</li>
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</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3781022018-02-17T00:15:43+00:002018-02-17T00:15:43+00:00News story: Multimillion pound government funding boost for cycle safety£7 million in funding announced to improve road safety and encourage more people to cycle.<div class="govspeak"><p>Cyclists in a number of cities will benefit from a £7 million government investment in projects to improve road safety, helping create more bike-friendly areas.</p>
<p>The funding has been announced as part of the Department for Transport’s cycle safety review, which will help ensure that our roads are as safe as possible for all who use them.</p>
<p>Eight cities, which the government has already been helping to lead the way in promoting cycling, will be given the chance to bid for an additional £6.5 million of funding to trial new schemes which improve safety. This will support the government’s aim of encouraging more people to cycle as part of everyday journeys.</p>
<p>The remaining £0.5 million will be set aside to support Cycling <abbr title="United Kingdom">UK</abbr>’s <a rel="external" href="https://www.cyclinguk.org/project/big-bike-revival%20project">Big bike revival</a> — a successful initiative which is helping to get more people cycling safely and confidently across the country.</p>
<figure class="image embedded"><div class="img"><img src="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/image_data/file/71836/big-bike-revival.png" alt="Promotional image for Big Bike Revival."></div></figure>
<p>Cycling Minister Jesse Norman said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Everyone should be able to take advantage of the huge health and environmental benefits of cycling.</p>
<p class="last-child">While Britain has some of the safest roads in the world, we want to encourage more people to take up cycling. This funding, as part of our overall cycling and walking strategy, will help local councils to make their roads safer for everyone.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Paul Tuohy, Chief Executive of Cycling <abbr title="United Kingdom">UK</abbr>, said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Last year the big bike revival reached more than 50,000 people in England, and produced more than 6,000 regular cyclists, so the project represents incredible value for money.</p>
<p class="last-child">I’m delighted that the Department for Transport has recognised its significance by funding it for another year so we can get even more people cycling every day.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a rel="external" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNMSZPILRJ4&amp;feature=youtu.be%E2%80%8B">Video: We’re investing an addtiona £6.5 million in English cities, to fund safer cycling projects</a></p>
<p>This announcement is part of a drive to ensure that everyone across the country feels safe when cycling. It will be up to local authorities to decide what sort of schemes to bid for — the Department for Transport has invited bids from the 8 councils and will be looking to support schemes which improve safety for cyclists, and which also deliver benefits for pedestrians.</p>
<p>Jesse Norman made this announcement on a visit to see how government funding has made cycling in Bristol easier and safer, helping increase the number of people who cycle in the city.</p>
<p>The Department for Transport launched the first ever statutory <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cycling-and-walking-investment-strategy">Cycling and walking investment strategy</a> in April 2017, to encourage more people to cycle and walk. This sets out how the government will deliver its ambition for cycling, and outlines how the £1.2 billion of funding available over the period to 2021 will be spent.</p>
<p>The cycle safety review was launched in September 2017.</p>
<p>The 8 cycle city ambition cities are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Bristol</li>
<li>Leeds</li>
<li>Cambridge</li>
<li>Birmingham</li>
<li>Norwich</li>
<li>Manchester</li>
<li>Newcastle</li>
<li>Oxford</li>
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</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3782332018-02-16T18:22:36+00:002018-02-16T18:22:36+00:00News story: Lord Ahmad congratulates The Gambia on Commonwealth re-entryOn a two-day visit, Commonwealth Minister Lord Ahmad congratulates The Gambia following their re-entry to the Commonwealth.<div class="govspeak"><p>Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister for the Commonwealth, visited The Gambia on 15 and 16 February to offer congratulations on the country’s re-entry to the Commonwealth.</p>
<p>The Minister met with senior government ministers, including President Adama Barrow, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ousainou Darboe, and Vice-President Fatoumata Tambajang, where he discussed the Government’s commitments to reforms in keeping with the Commonwealth’s principles of democracy, equality for all citizens, and good governance.</p>
<p>Lord Ahmad said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The UK warmly congratulates the people of The Gambia on this country’s re-entry to the Commonwealth family of nations. When the Foreign Secretary visited last year, he met many Gambians who share the common values of the Commonwealth and wanted to re-join - and who felt as if they had never truly left.</p>
<p>We have welcomed the Government’s progress on human rights and governance over the past year. It is important now that there is continued, concerted commitment and tangible action: human rights, freedom of expression, equality for all, and strengthening rule of law are critical building blocks for a sustainable, successful democracy.</p>
<p class="last-child">I am delighted to have formally invited, on behalf of the Prime Minister, President Barrow to the UK for the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in April, and we look forward to working with The Gambia as a Commonwealth partner once more.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Lord Ahmad also met with civil society organisations, human rights groups, and members of the international community, including to hear about the challenges facing many women and girls, from lack of access to quality education, to FGM, early marriage and inequality.</p>
<h3 id="further-information">Further information</h3>
<ul>
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<p>Follow Foreign Office Minister Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on Twitter <a rel="external" href="https://twitter.com/tariqahmadbt">@tariqahmadbt</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter <a rel="external" href="https://twitter.com/foreignoffice">@foreignoffice</a> and <a rel="external" href="https://www.facebook.com/foreignoffice?ref=hl">Facebook</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Follow the Foreign Office on <a rel="external" href="https://www.instagram.com/ukforeignoffice/">Instagram</a>, <a rel="external" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ukforeignoffice">YouTube</a> and <a rel="external" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/foreign-and-commonwealth-office?trk=biz-companies-cym">LinkedIn</a></p>
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</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3782352018-02-16T18:20:00+00:002018-02-16T18:20:00+00:00Speech: PM press conference with Chancellor Merkel: 16 February 2018The Prime Minister gave a statement at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin ahead of attending the Munich Security Conference.<div class="govspeak"><h2 id="chancellor-merkel">Chancellor Merkel</h2>
<p>Ladies and gentlemen, we are delighted to be able to welcome the British Prime Minister Theresa May to Berlin today. She will go on and stand to participate in the Munich Security Conference. We have a very close exchange of views, both on Britain leaving the European Union, and on the international agenda, and our intensive cooperation on all global issues.</p>
<p>We basically have not changed our stance on Britain’s leaving the European Union. We deplore it, but we want to adopt a constructive position because we want to have as close as possible a partnership with Britain even after leaving the European Union, both economically and politically. We were guided by this spirit when talking about leaving, when talking about the transition period, and in March, we will deal with the issue of the guidelines for our future relationship.</p>
<p>For us as Germans, we would like to see a situation where we as 27 act together in these negotiations, but obviously bilateral talks are of prime importance in this particular phase and at this particular stage. All this is a process that is ongoing, we’re all developing our ideas about this, so we will very much look forward to Britain, again, setting out its ideas. The speech in Florence was a very important speech in this respect, and we will obviously follow very carefully what other statements will be made in the period leading up to the March Council. And then we will also try and coordinate very closely on the future guidelines as we work on them.</p>
<p>We would like to initiate those negotiations because we are under a certain amount of time pressure, but obviously, we also want to be very diligent, very careful, in working on this, which means we will have frequent exchanges of views.</p>
<p>Looking at global challenges, we talked about the nuclear agreement with Iran. There’s a very close coordination here, and also a common position of the European partners of Britain, therefore, also and of Germany. We also talked about Britain hosting this year the so-called Berlin Process, as a conference with the countries of the Western Balkans. I must say that I’m delighted to note that, irrespective of Britain leaving the European Union, this perspective of the Western Balkans is seen as a very important point also about Britain in order to ensure a peaceful order for the whole of Europe.</p>
<p>We talked about Ukraine and the conflict there, and about how we can achieve progress there. And we also talked about Syria, we voiced our concerns about the situation there on the ground. Obviously, Turkey has a legitimate interest in ensuring its own security, but everything that can lead to tensions among NATO partners has to be avoided at all costs. And then we will coordinate very closely on this, as well. So, it was a very constructive talk guided by a spirit of friendship of partnership, so yet again, a very warm welcome to you, Theresa, here to Berlin.</p>
<h2 id="prime-minister-may">Prime Minister May</h2>
<p>It’s a pleasure to be in Berlin once again and I thank Chancellor Merkel for hosting these talks today. You may recall, she was the first Head of Government that I visited after becoming Prime Minister in 2016, I think underlining the importance of the relationship between our two countries.</p>
<p>Our partnership is vital in defending our shared values and promoting our interests around the world.
We are standing side-by-side in Eastern Europe as part of NATO efforts to reassure our allies and deter Russian aggression.</p>
<p>Our Armed Forces are supporting the Iraqi Government to liberate territory in their brave fight against Daesh in the Middle East.</p>
<p>And in areas such as global health, climate change, clean energy, UK-Germany cooperation has shaped the international agenda.</p>
<h4 id="security">Security</h4>
<p>In our talks today, we have discussed the speech I will give to the Munich security conference tomorrow, in which I will reiterate that the UK remains unconditionally committed to European security - and set out my vision for a unique new partnership between the EU and the UK on defence, information sharing, security and law enforcement.</p>
<p>Because as the threats we face grow and evolve, our structures and capabilities must keep pace.</p>
<p>Whether the challenge comes from North Korea’s attempts to nuclearise the Korean Peninsula or the Islamist terrorists that continue to seek to do us harm.</p>
<p>We must work together and use all the levers at our disposal to keep people across Europe safe.</p>
<h4 id="foreign-policy">Foreign policy</h4>
<p>On foreign policy, we already work very closely together.</p>
<p>Today Chancellor Merkel and I have reaffirmed our commitment to the Iran nuclear deal and the need for full implementation by all sides that we made in October last year. And we agreed that as we continue to work to preserve the deal we also share US concerns about Iran’s destabilising activity in the Middle East.</p>
<p>We stand ready to take further appropriate measures to tackle these issues.</p>
<p>We also discussed the Western Balkans Conference, which I look forward to Chancellor Merkel attending in London in July.</p>
<h4 id="prosperity-and-brexit">Prosperity and Brexit</h4>
<p>Of course, it is not only in defence of our shared values that the UK and Germany rely on one another.</p>
<p>Trade between our nations secures and generates hundreds of thousands of jobs in both countries, with hard work, enterprise and innovation at its foundation.</p>
<p>Our proud history of commerce goes back to at least the 12th century with the trade between the Hanseatic cities and English ports.</p>
<p>And it is vital to people in both the UK and Germany that this shared tradition continues.</p>
<p>And so we have referred in our discussions to the UK’s vision for a bold and ambitious economic partnership once the UK leaves the European Union.</p>
<p>I want to ensure that UK companies have the maximum freedom to trade and operate within German markets – and for German businesses to do the same in the UK.</p>
<p>Much progress has already been made in the Brexit negotiations and we both welcomed the agreement reached last December to secure rights for more than a hundred thousand German nationals in the UK and a similar number of UK citizens living here in Germany.</p>
<p>We’re now ready to enter into the next phase of negotiations and our immediate goal is to agree a time-limited implementation period, with the latest round of talks between the UK and the Commission due to begin on Monday.</p>
<h4 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h4>
<p>The UK and Germany’s shared history, values and culture make us vital partners and strong allies both bilaterally and through NATO, the G7 and the G20.</p>
<p>And we will continue to work together to strengthen these ties for years and decades to come.</p>
<h2 id="qa">Q&amp;A</h2>
<p>Question: Prime Minister, do you understand your fellow leader’s frustration that 18 months after taking office, you’re still unable to say, beyond the words ‘deep and special’, or today, ‘bold and ambitious’, what Britain wants? Will you be able to tell Chancellor Merkel any more detail today, or must that continue to wait for your Cabinet colleagues to agree with one another?</p>
<p>And Chancellor Merkel, did you again ask the Prime Minister, ‘What does Britain want?’ And did you learn anything today that you didn’t know yesterday?</p>
<p>Prime Minister May: Well, first of all, we have been setting out – as I said right at the very beginning of this process, we will be setting out at different times the next sort of stage of the process. I’ve done that through the Lancaster House speech, through the Florence speech. Tomorrow, I’m going to be setting out our ambition for a security partnership between the UK and the European Union as we move forward, and we’ll be saying something in the coming weeks in relation to our future economic partnership.</p>
<p>But what we’re doing – the stage we’re at is, first of all, ensuring that we agree the time-limited implementation period. This was a principle that was agreed in the December discussions, when sufficient progress was declared in that joint report. And then, of course, we go ahead to start the negotiations, to looking at that future economic partnership.</p>
<p>But it isn’t just a one-way street: I think that’s what’s important. Actually, I want a future economic partnership that is good for the European Union, is good for Germany, is good for the other members of – remaining members of the European Union, and is good for the United Kingdom, and I believe that through the negotiations, we can achieve just that economic relationship, alongside us, obviously, ensuring we continue to have a good security partnership, too.</p>
<p>Chancellor Merkel: Well, first of all, let me say that I’m not frustrated at all; I’m just curious how Britain envisages this future partnership, and obviously, we’ll also have our own vested interests, as regards, for example, economic commitments. We would like to preserve this close partnership, and maybe both sides, in a way, are in a process of learning, of trying to find out where we find common ground. For this, what we need is a permanent exchange, because we sometimes don’t know how our opposite number is seeing things, and I think that this is a very candid exchange that we’ve had. We will need to have further exchanges, but frustration doesn’t at all describe it appropriately.</p>
<p>Question: Two questions, madam Chancellor. This is already your fourth press conference with an international guest within 24 hours, so does that mean that you are back on international stage and are trying to make a mark after a period of absence, so to speak? And what does this mean for the Brexit negotiations of your being back on the international stage being more visible? That’s my question addressed to you.</p>
<p>And a question addressed to the Prime Minister in very concrete terms, particularly as regards to German business community, there is a very great concern that has been voiced because there’s a high degree of uncertainty. Could you say how you want to ensure German companies in future being able to trade freely with Britain and also vice versa? Particularly in financial industry there seem to be many open issues yet. Can you say anything in more concrete terms yet?</p>
<p>Chancellor Merkel: Well, there are always, let’s say, intervals, not only now. As you know, with the former government, I had international visits, for example, the EU Africa conference or Davos. I’ve had obviously also appearances there, but when you are in coalition agreements and things – things come to sort of a head, then obviously you cannot host a foreign guest.</p>
<p>But obviously the Brexit negotiations are something that we follow very closely. Even as acting government we are in contact with those who lead those negotiations. Parliament, too, is interested. We want to be an active partner. We don’t want to delay matters. We’ve always been guided by this spirit and I think we’ve been able to do this.</p>
<p>Prime Minister May: I’ll take the second question. Of course the point is we’re entering negotiations with the European Union, which will determine in detail the nature of that future relationship, but as I’ve said earlier, I think it is absolutely clear that that partnership, that economic partnership, will be one and can be one that will be of benefit both to German businesses that want to continue to operate and trade with the United Kingdom, and the UK business that want to continue to trade and cooperate with Germany and with other members of the remaining EU 27.</p>
<p>And what we’re looking at is, I believe, a comprehensive and ambitious partnership. One that isn’t based on an existing model, but one that actually recognises the different position of the United Kingdom as we leave the European Union, recognises the close ties we already have and recognises the importance of those trade links and those businesses cooperating that will have been – you referred to from Germany – German companies. That obviously is also important to UK companies as well.</p>
<p>Question: Prime Minister, you say that this is a two-way process. Do you accept, though, that it is for the British government to set out what its plans are and not for the EU to make you an offer?</p>
<p>And to the Chancellor, what the Prime Minister just said is that she wants a negotiation that is not based on any current models. Is that not cherry picking, and do you think you can accept something that is bespoke in that way?</p>
<p>Prime Minister: On the first question, the point of negotiations is two parties sit down and talk about these issues and come to an agreement about those issues. As I said in – earlier in answer to the first question, we have, at different stages, set out and clarified different aspects of the future relationship that we want to have with the European Union. Tomorrow I’ll be doing that very clearly in relation to the security partnership. And that again will be a new arrangement.</p>
<p>I think that’s important because we’re all facing the same challenges and threats, and now is not the time for us to reduce cooperation. Now is the time for us to look to see how we can develop on the existing cooperation in a way that’s going to be dynamic and agile for the future. Because as the threats evolve, as they grow, they don’t recognise borders, so we need to continue that cooperation and be able to adapt to the threats as they come. So I’ll be setting out tomorrow in more detail what I think that security partnership should look like.</p>
<p>Chancellor Merkel: Well, it’s not absolutely – it is not absolutely a given that a situation that is already known and is not yet a traditional, a classical trade agreement means cherry picking. In the end, the outcome needs to be a fair balance that deviates, let’s say, from the single market and not as close a partnership as we’ve had, but I think one can find that. And we, as 27, will be very carefully vetting that process and see to it that it is as close as possible, but that it’s a difference to the current – to what currently Britain has as a member, which is what they want, and what the British people want. But this does not need – this does not mean that it needs to be cherry picking.</p>
<p>Question: Madam Chancellor, can you tell us what, for you, the two or three remaining most difficult bones of contentions are on the Brexit negotiations? And Mr Yıldırım yesterday actually on – handed over an invitation on behalf of President Erdoğan, and has this already met with a concrete answer?</p>
<p>And Prime Minister, Ireland is obviously a very tricky as regards Brexit. The Irish do not want – there is not to be a hard border, but at the same time you wish to leave the single market. So how does one shape this border in an acceptable way?</p>
<p>Chancellor Merkel: You first question was, sorry? Oh, the bones of contention. Well, what’s important is that on the day after the transition period has ended, all of those different areas actually work properly, so we have to be very careful that we have the right rules and regulations in place, for example to enable tourists to meet, their planes can start, that we have proper healthcare systems in place. All of that has to be settled. And then we have to think of trade relations and services relations. Where does Britain want to participate and where not? All of that will come out in the course of those negotiations, so there is not this one single crux of the matter, this one single bone of contention. It’s a very complex structure of negotiations, and we need to come to a fairly balanced approach for both sides. That’s what I intend, at least.</p>
<p>And on the visit to Turkey, I have taken note of this invitation. I also talked to President Erdoğan on the – about possible visits to Turkey, or perhaps the Turkish President coming here. But we haven’t made any specific sort of decision on this.</p>
<p>Prime Minister May: On the issue of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the Irish government, the UK government and the people of Northern Ireland are all clear that there will be no hard border. When we came to the agreement of the Joint Report with the European Commission in December, which was the basis for the agreement that sufficient progress had been made to move to the next stage of the talks, we set out various ways in which that could be addressed. As the Taoiseach said on Monday, the preference is for that to be done – the arrangement to be part of the overall agreement that the UK will have with the European Union. That is looking at that new partnership where there will be a new balance of rights and obligations that we have to – will be discussing through the next stage of the negotiations.</p>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3782382018-02-16T18:14:51+00:002018-02-16T18:14:51+00:00News story: Troika statement on South Sudan forumUK, US and Norway statement on Phase 2 of the High Level Revitalization Forum for South Sudan.<div class="govspeak"><p>The members of the Troika (Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States) welcome the parties’ constructive efforts toward compromise for the benefit of the people of South Sudan at the High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) over the last two weeks in Addis Ababa. The Troika expresses its appreciation for and fully supports the continuing effort by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to restore peace through the HLRF, and commends the tireless efforts of the IGAD Special Envoy Ambassador Ismail Wais and the mediation team.</p>
<p>The Troika underscores the critical importance of the parties creating a conducive environment for peacemaking: fighting while talking is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. The parties must make good on their promises to implement the Agreement on a Cessation of Hostilities (ACOH) signed in December 2017. We take note and support the intention by IGAD and the African Union to identify and impose consequences on those undermining peace as soon as possible and we stand ready to support them in their efforts. Implementation of the ACOH must also include the release of political prisoners and prisoners of war, the end to the use of child soldiers and sexual and gender-based violence as a weapon. The parties must also allow unfettered access for Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM) monitors and for humanitarian assistance and aid workers responding to Africa’s worst humanitarian crisis.</p>
<p>While useful dialogue has taken place over the past two weeks, there is much more for the parties to do if the HLRF is to make meaningful and sustainable progress towards peace. The Troika calls on all parties to reconvene as soon as possible, without preconditions, to address the important security and governance arrangements that are essential for peace. We urge all parties to take steps to maintain the momentum of the process and refrain from comments or actions that could make returning to dialogue more difficult. We urge the parties to agree that a negotiated arrangement for an inclusive transitional government that reflects South Sudan’s diversity is needed. We encourage the parties to set as priorities the separation of powers, dispute resolution and reconciliation mechanisms, service delivery, and accountability. Arrangements must not advantage any political, armed, or ethnic group. We call on the parties to develop practical security arrangements that end violence and build confidence, and set out a realistic path to broader security sector reform. We urge the parties to support financial reforms that address corruption and build confidence in public institutions.</p>
<p>The Troika renews its firm view that elections in 2018 are not viable given the continuing conflict, lack of security, displacement of one third of the population, and severe food insecurity affecting half the population. It calls on all parties to reject any unilateral effort to extend power though the ballot box, the legislature, or military means. A negotiated path to elections also means the protection of fundamental political freedoms, and significant improvements in security and humanitarian conditions. The Troika continues to stand with the people of South Sudan and urges their leaders to move expeditiously to achieve the peace their people deserve.</p>
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</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3782362018-02-16T18:02:00+00:002018-02-16T18:02:00+00:00News story: Statement from the International Development Secretary on OxfamMordaunt: "Oxfam has agreed to withdraw from bidding for any new UK Government funding until DFID is satisfied that they can meet the high standards we expect of our partners" <div class="govspeak"><p>On Friday 16 February International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt said:</p>
<p>“I have now received a formal response to the set of demands I put to Oxfam in my meeting with Mark Goldring, Chief Executive, and Caroline Thomson, Chair of Trustees, on 12 February.</p>
<p>“I made three demands: that they make clear how they will handle any forthcoming allegations around safeguarding - historic or live; that they report staff members involved in this incident to their respective national governments; and that they fully cooperate with the Haitian authorities, including handing over all evidence they hold. Oxfam has now confirmed that they have complied with all of these points.</p>
<p>“Following our discussions, Oxfam has agreed to withdraw from bidding for any new UK Government funding until DFID is satisfied that they can meet the high standards we expect of our partners.</p>
<p>“My priority is to deliver for the world’s poorest and most vulnerable, while keeping people safe from harm. We want to ensure that programmes we are already financially committed to are being delivered appropriately by Oxfam or any other DFID partner.</p>
<p>“We have asked for assurances from all our charitable partners regarding their safeguarding and reporting practices by 26 February, including Oxfam. At that stage we will make further decisions about continuing or amending how those programmes are delivered. Our primary guiding principle in this will be the welfare of the beneficiaries of UK aid.</p>
<p>“The UK Government reserves the right to take whatever decisions about present or future funding to Oxfam, and any other organisation, that we deem necessary. We have been very clear that we will not work with any organisation that does not live up to the high standards on safeguarding and protection that we require.</p>
<p>“In taking these actions I am very aware that there are hundreds of good, brave and compassionate people working for Oxfam around the world. They have been poorly served by Oxfam’s leadership team too.</p>
<p>“Clearly Oxfam have a long way to go before they can regain the trust of the British public, their staff and the people they aim to help. The actions and attitude of the organisation over the coming weeks will be critical.</p>
<p>“I am determined that we do our utmost to prevent exploitation and abuse happening - and ensure that where it does happen it is identified and dealt with appropriately.</p>
<p>“The UK will continue to take all necessary action and it is vital now that the whole aid sector – from UK-based charities working overseas, to the UN, to other donor countries – step up and demonstrate the leadership required.”</p>
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</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3782312018-02-16T17:32:00+00:002018-02-16T17:32:00+00:00Press release: Foreign Secretary welcomes new UN Special Envoy for YemenForeign Secretary Boris Johnson has issued the following statement on the appointment of Martin Griffiths as the new UN Special Envoy for Yemen.<div class="govspeak"><blockquote>
<p>I welcome the appointment of Martin Griffiths to the role of UN Special Envoy for Yemen. Mr Griffiths brings a wealth of experience from several high profile UN positions in the region, and is a leading expert on international mediation and conflict resolution.</p>
<p>I would like to thank Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed for his dedication in the role of UN Special Envoy since April 2015, working to facilitate a credible peace process in Yemen.</p>
<p class="last-child">The UK is at the forefront of international efforts to help bring to Yemen the peace, stability and security that all Yemenis deserve. This can only be reached through an inclusive political settlement. Mr Griffiths and his team will be central to achieving progress and I call upon all parties to engage with the UN process in good faith.</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="notes-to-editors">Notes to editors:</h3>
<p>The UK strongly supports the work of the UN in Yemen. We support the efforts to reboot a UN peace process as a matter of urgency. By the end of the financial year 2017/18, we will have provided £1.68 million to the UN Special Envoy’s office to bolster the UN’s capacity to facilitate the peace process.</p>
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</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3782282018-02-16T16:49:00+00:002018-02-16T16:49:00+00:00News story: Radioactive Waste Management establishes Advisory CouncilRadioactive Waste Management (RWM), the organisation leading work on behalf of the Government to safely dispose of the UK’s higher activity radioactive waste, has established an external group of eminent advisers.<div class="govspeak"><p>The Advisory Council will provide expertise, balanced perspective and strategic direction to support RWM as it moves into a significant phase of its programme to deliver a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF), a nationally significant infrastructure project.</p>
<p>Its members include experienced leaders in business, engineering, infrastructure and society who will collectively provide vital input to one of the most complex and important long-term projects ever undertaken in the UK.
Bruce McKirdy, RWM’s Managing Director, commented:</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="last-child">I’m delighted that we can draw upon such a wealth of talent and experience to help us to establish a safe and long-term solution to dispose of our radioactive waste. I’m looking forward to working with the Advisory Council and harnessing their insights as we deliver geological disposal for the UK.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Lorraine Baldry OBE, Advisory Council Chair commented:</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="last-child">I am very pleased at the opportunity to bring together the outstanding skills and experience of the Council in order to help deliver what might be one of the most important environmental and societal projects ever undertaken in the UK.</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="panel-members-short-biographies">Panel members’ short biographies:</h3>
<p>Lorraine Baldry OBE (Chair) has experience in a wide range of industries including technology, broadcasting, distribution, healthcare, water, real estate and financial services. She has held a number of Board-level positions and is currently Chairman of London and Continental Railways, Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust, Inventa Partners, and Hydroxyl Technologies.</p>
<p>Norman Harrison (Deputy Chair) has held a number of senior roles in the UK nuclear industry including CEO of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and when with British Energy, Station Director at Heysham and Sizewell B nuclear power stations. He currently has a portfolio of non-executive and advisory appointments including the UKAEA (Fusion programme) and is Deputy Chair of the Board of Governors at Manchester Metropolitan University.</p>
<p>Sonia Davidson-Grant is an experienced Director, Non-Executive Director and Board Member of private and public sector organisations, an international researcher and a strategic advisor to governments in the UK and the Middle East.</p>
<p>Dai Hudd has spent his career as a trade union official. He is currently Deputy General Secretary of the Prospect trade union and also holds lead policy responsibility for the energy services industry.</p>
<p>John Markham OBE had a distinguished career in the chemical industry, holding a range of executive management positions, before moving into regeneration where he has held a number of senior roles in the public and private sectors.</p>
<p>Dr Mike Naylor has had a long career in the oil and gas industry, rising through Shell to become Vice President Technical, Global Exploration. He has wide-ranging experience in developing technical standards, processes and execution of major capital projects and brings a deep expertise and understanding of sub-surface evaluation and risk assessment.</p>
<p>Michael Prescott is an experienced communications professional with a proven track record of building and motivating teams to award-winning standard, and managing in high-pressure environments. His previous employment includes roles as Director of Corporate Affairs at British Telecom, Managing Director Corporate Comms and Public Affairs at Weber Shandwick, and Political Editor at The Sunday Times. Michael is a Trustee of Bloodwise and a former member of the Government Communications Board.</p>
<p>Howard Shiplee CBE is a recognised construction industry professional with extensive experience in the delivery of high value infrastructure projects, including as Project Director Hong Kong International Airport Terminal and as Director of Construction for the Olympic Delivery Authority.</p>
<p>Morag Stuart has held various senior roles working in the defence and aerospace industries and is currently Director of Commercial Improvement at Defence Equipment and Support, part of the Ministry of Defence. Morag also sits on a Procurement Advisory panel for HS2 Ltd. </p>
<p>Eugenie Turton CB is a former senior government servant who now works as a Non-Executive Director in the private and charitable sectors. Previously Eugenie was Director General for Housing and Planning, responsible for the government’s public service improvement programme, and creation of London’s new mayoral government.</p>
<p>Robert Upton CBE has held positions as Director of Planning in Hong Kong, Chief Executive of Rushmoor Borough Council, Secretary General of the Royal Town Planning Institute, Deputy Chair of the Infrastructure Planning Commission and subsequently Senior Examining Inspector for major infrastructure at the Planning Inspectorate.</p>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3782222018-02-16T15:42:09+00:002018-02-16T15:42:09+00:00News story: First female chief appointed to Royal Mint in its one thousand year historyThe Royal Mint today appointed Anne Jessopp as its new chief executive and Deputy Master of the Mint. <div class="govspeak"><p>The Royal Mint today appointed Anne Jessopp as its new chief executive and Deputy Master of the Mint.
She will lead work to provide Britain with its cutting-edge secure currency and will also develop the commemorative coin and bullion arm of the business.</p>
<p>On a visit to the Royal Mint, the Exchequer Secretary officially confirmed Anne Jessopp’s appointment - the first female to take up the role in the Royal Mint’s 1,100 year history.</p>
<p>Speaking of her new appointment, the Deputy Master of the Mint, Anne Jessopp said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="last-child">I am delighted to be appointed to lead this unique and important British organisation. The Royal Mint has an impressive history of over 1,100 years and its longevity is due to its ability to adapt as society changes. This was never truer than today, as we reinterpret The Royal Mint for the 21st century, building on the values that have been at the heart of the organisation throughout our history – authenticity, security, precious metals, craftsmanship and design.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p class="last-child">I have had the privilege to work for The Royal Mint for almost 10 years and it is testament to the great colleagues and opportunities I have had, that I have been able to develop the skills that enable me to take on this role.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The Exchequer to the Secretary to the Treasury, Robert Jenrick welcomed the appointment and said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="last-child">Anne Jessopp brings a wealth of expertise to this role. With her decade of experience at the Royal Mint, I am confident she will ensure the UK continues to have the most secure currency in the world, and our coins are loved and collected the world over.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p class="last-child">It may have taken over 1,000 years but the Mint is now finally led by a woman, and I am certain Anne will do a great job.</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="what-does-the-deputy-master-of-the-mint-do">What does the Deputy Master of the Mint do?</h3>
<p>As chief executive of the Royal Mint, Anne will be tasked with running the Great British institution which produces up to 90 million coins every week. At the top of her in-tray will be overseeing the introduction of the new 50 pence coin, announced last week, to mark the centenary celebrations of women’s suffrage.</p>
<p>Her official position as Deputy Master of the Mint is one that is steeped in history. Her first ceremonial role will be to lead the annual Trial of the Pyx.</p>
<p>First held in 1282, the Trial of the Pyx tests the integrity of the nation’s coins, ensuring that they are the proper weight and size, and contain the right amount of precious metals. Every February, coins of each denomination struck by the Royal Mint are selected at random and locked away in the Pyx chests.</p>
<p>In a ceremony, which has not changed since before Henry VIII’s reign, the Deputy Master of the Mint brings these chests to London’s Goldsmiths’ Hall, where the coins are checked by an independent jury. The Jury consists of leaders from the financial world and six assayers from the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths who, wearing traditional red robes, put the coins to the test.</p>
<p>After two months of rigorous testing, the trial reconvenes and the Queen’s Remembrancer asks the Jury for its verdict. In May, this verdict will be given in the presence of the Deputy Master of The Royal Mint and the Chancellor of the Exchequer (or a representative).</p>
<p>Remarkably, the history books reveal that if the coins fail the test, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who is the ceremonial Master of the Mint, risks losing a hand as punishment.</p>
<p>It should be made clear that in the trial’s long history, 94 Minters have had their right hands cut off by order of the King. However, this has not happened for hundreds of years.</p>
<h4 id="notes-to-editors">Notes to editors:</h4>
<ul>
<li>One of the most famous Masters of the Mint, before it was made a political position was Sir Isaac Newton, who had previously held the position between 1700-27.</li>
</ul>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3782122018-02-16T14:59:38+00:002018-02-16T14:59:38+00:00Press release: Dangerous driver who caused fatal crash but didn’t stop at the scene has his sentence increasedAnthony Howell, who caused the death of Adinajib Awale, has his sentence increased and is ordered to serve it immediately following the action of Solicitor General Robert Buckland QC MP<div class="govspeak"><p>A dangerous driver who caused the death of a man in Tooting by careless driving has had his sentence increased after the Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC MP, appealed it as too low.</p>
<p>Anthony Howell hit Adinajib Awale on the junction of Tooting Bec Road and Dr Johnson Avenue on 2 May 2015. Despite his car suffering damage because of the collision, Mr Howell did not stop at the scene. Instead, after returning home, Howell called the police for a crime reference number for insurance purposes. He said that the damage had been caused by someone throwing something at his car.</p>
<p>Howell was originally sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment suspended for 2 years at Kingston Crown Court. Today, following action from the Solicitor General, the Court of Appeal increased Howell’s sentence to 16 months, to be served immediately.</p>
<p>Speaking after the hearing, the Solicitor General said:</p>
<p>“Anthony Howell’s actions are inexcusable; to cause a fatal collision because of careless driving is atrocious and to fail stop at the scene to help the victim was disgraceful. No sentence can bring back Mr Awale but I hope that the increase will bring his family some comfort.”</p>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3782062018-02-16T14:07:00+00:002018-02-16T14:07:00+00:00Press release: Charity Commission calls for information about Presidents Club Charitable TrustUpdate on the regulator's case into the Presidents Club Charitable Trust<div class="govspeak"><p>The Charity Commission is encouraging anyone who would like to share relevant information about the Presidents Club Charitable Trust and the charity’s fundraising event on 18 January to come forward, in order to help the Commission determine whether trustees of the charity have complied with their legal duties and responsibilities.</p>
<p>The Commission, the regulator of charities in England and Wales, opened a regulatory compliance case into the charity on 24 January 2018, following media reports alleging that some staff were exposed to harassment and inappropriate activity at the event. The police have already stressed that any allegations of criminal behaviour should be reported to them.</p>
<h4 id="tracy-howarth-head-of-regulatory-compliance-at-the-charity-commission-says">Tracy Howarth, Head of Regulatory Compliance at the Charity Commission says:</h4>
<blockquote>
<p>It is important that anyone who attended or worked at the event knows they can come forward and raise concerns with us. We can’t provide any legal remedy or compensation to individuals. But what we can and must do, is to assess whether the trustees of the charity complied with important legal duties and responsibilities in managing their charity.
We want to ensure we have all the information possible to make a balanced and reasoned assessment of the facts.</p>
<p class="last-child">So I would like to encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Commission at: <a href="mailto:rauemailteam@charitycommission.gsi.gov.uk">rauemailteam@charitycommission.gsi.gov.uk</a>.</p>
<p>The Commission stresses that some the issues raised by the event are not within its regulatory remit and it is working closely with other regulators as appropriate.</p>
<p>The opening of the case is not in itself a finding of wrongdoing. When the case has concluded, the Commission will publish a report detailing what issues it looked at, what it found and what it did. Previous Commission regulatory case reports are available on <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/inquiry-reports-charity-commission">GOV.UK</a>.</p>
<h4 id="notes-to-editors">Notes to editors</h4>
<ol>
<li>
<p>As a result of the media coverage arising from the event, the trustees of the Presidents Club Charitable Trust have decided to carry out an orderly winding up of the charity. They have confirmed they will not take any steps to dissolve the Charity until the Commission’s regulatory compliance case is complete.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The objects of the charity allow funds to be applied for such charitable purposes as the trustees may decide. The charity has made grants to a number of charities. Some of these have said that they now wish to return funds to the charity. The Commission has published guidance on its website for those charities who are considering whether or not they should, or can, <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/returning-money-to-charities">return charitable funds</a>. In most cases, the Commission’s consent will be required to authorise the return of historic donations.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The trustees have established a separate contact point to deal with complaints and intend to appoint an appropriately qualified independent complaints assessor to consider those complaints received. No complaints have been made to date. The trustees have told the Commission that they are committed to the timely and efficient resolution of any complaints received.</p>
</li>
</ol>
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</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3781552018-02-16T13:43:57+00:002018-02-16T13:43:57+00:00News story: Sellafield incident report - powder spillage (15 January 2018)Details of an incident at Sellafield on 15 January 2018. <div class="govspeak"><p>Sellafield incident report – bottle spillage</p>
<p>During routine sampling work in a Sellafield drum filling area, a bottle containing uranium trioxide powder accidentally fell to the floor causing approximately 100-150g to spill out.</p>
<p>The operator handling the samples was wearing the correct personal protective equipment and the correct safety procedures were followed.</p>
<p>There was no personal contamination or ingestion by the operator and the contamination was contained in the immediate work area. An investigation has been carried out, and we are now considering the actions required to address the findings.</p>
<p>The event has been rated 0 (anomaly) on the <a rel="external" href="http://www-ns.iaea.org/tech-areas/emergency/ines.asp">International Nuclear Events Scale</a></p>
<p>Sellafield is regulated by the <a rel="external" href="http://www.onr.org.uk/sellafield-dfw.htm">Office for Nuclear Regulation</a> and the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency">Environment Agency</a></p>
<p><a rel="external" href="http://www.sellafieldsites.com/press-office/incident-reports/">See details of incidents at Sellafield before 1 August 2017</a></p>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3782052018-02-16T13:41:36+00:002018-02-16T13:41:36+00:00Press release: Secretary of State visits Victoria SquareRt Hon Karen Bradley MP visited Victoria Square shopping centre before delivering a statement to the assembled media.<div class="govspeak"><p>Speaking after a tour of the shopping centre, Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="last-child">I am absolutely delighted to be here in Victoria Square enjoying the very best that Belfast has to offer. You just have to look at this view, look at what this city is today, and think about what has been achieved in 20 years. Think about how much more we can do, and how much we have to build on, to continue Belfast and Northern Ireland’s success.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p class="last-child">I’ve just been hearing about how in terms of retail outlets, this centre is number one not just in Northern Ireland but in the island of Ireland, and it is number three in the whole of the United Kingdom in some categories. That is a fantastic achievement. It really goes to show what is bringing people to Belfast, why they are coming to Northern Ireland and why we want it to continue.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p class="last-child">This has been a difficult week, I’m not going to make any pretence of that. We worked extraordinarily hard to do our very best to enable an Executive to be formed and I still believe that can be done, with the will of the politicians to deliver what the people of Northern Ireland want and need: their elected politicians doing the right thing and delivering devolved government for the people of Northern Ireland. The message I have had from the retailers and shoppers I have met downstairs is that that is what they want too. They want to exploit the opportunities that would come from a stable government being able to deliver the reforms and the transformation this country needs.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p class="last-child">I am here to help them deliver that. I will do all I can to try and get devolved government back into Stormont because I genuinely believe that is the best thing for the people of Northern Ireland.</p>
</blockquote>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3782002018-02-16T13:00:11+00:002018-02-16T13:00:11+00:00News story: Programme: EU-UK Article 50 negotiationsTalks will be held in Brussels, 19 and 20 February 2018<div class="govspeak"><h2 id="monday-19-february-2018">Monday, 19 February 2018</h2>
<h3 id="meeting-at-coordinators-level">Meeting at Coordinators’ level</h3>
<ul>
<li>Implementation</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="tuesday-20-february-2018">Tuesday, 20 February 2018</h2>
<h3 id="meeting-at-technical-and-coordinators-level">Meeting at technical and Coordinators’ level</h3>
<ul>
<li>Ireland/Northern Ireland</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="next-meetings-wc-26th-february">Next meetings: w/c 26th February</h3>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3781882018-02-16T12:00:57+00:002018-02-16T12:00:57+00:00News story: Ministry of Defence expands counter-poaching training into two new parks in MalawiThe Ministry of Defence is ramping up its efforts to stop animals being cruelly hunted in Malawi by expanding its counter-poaching training into two further parks in the country.<div class="govspeak"><p>Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson announced today that deployments to Nkhotakota and Majete Wildlife Reserves will begin in May, following a successful pilot scheme in Liwonde National Park alongside the conservation non-profit African Parks, doubling the number of rangers mentored by British soldiers to 120.</p>
<p>A conservation crisis occurring around the globe is causing the loss of countless species, and one of the main factors behind this is the illegal wildlife trade, which drives the decline of many of Africa’s animals, including elephants, rhinos and lions.</p>
<p>Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Poaching is a horrific and cruel trade that is putting the very existence of this planet’s most majestic wildlife in jeopardy.</p>
<p>Our brave Armed Forces are the best in the world and are playing their part in putting an end to this sickening and illegal industry, to protect these magnificent mammals.</p>
<p class="last-child">By providing training and mentoring to the park rangers, they will form a skilled network to ensure that the world’s precious species are here for generations to come.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Under the guidance of British Army troops, African Parks rangers will learn tracking, infantry skills, bushcraft and information analysis to improve the interception of poachers.</p>
<p>The long-term goals of training park rangers in Malawi are for them to effectively police their parks and respond appropriately to the threat of poaching, which is worth approximately £7bn to £17bn year.</p>
<p>Training in the two new parks has been funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund.</p>
<p>Liwonde Park Manager, Craig Reid, said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="last-child">The MOD deployment to Liwonde in 2017 was very beneficial to the African Parks effort in securing the integrity of this park which was once overrun with poaching.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p class="last-child">The soldiers helped mentor the Rangers as part of the long-term project aimed at ensuring a sustainable law enforcement effort. We are very appreciative of the ongoing support rendered to our team on the ground.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>All three parks, Nkhotakota, Majete and Liwonde, are managed by African Parks in partnership with Malawi’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife.</p>
<p>Brighton Kumchedwa, Director of National Parks and Wildlife, said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="last-child">We are really pleased that the British Army will be returning to Malawi to work in partnership with the Malawian authorities and African Parks on counter-poaching activities. This will build on the success of their previous deployment and ensure that life becomes increasingly difficult for those intent on wildlife crime in Malawi.</p>
</blockquote>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3781752018-02-16T11:54:52+00:002018-02-16T11:54:52+00:00News story: Ornicure 150mg/g doxycycline powder for oral solution – Product defect recall alertProduct defect recall alert for Ornicure 150mg/g doxycycline powder for oral solution by Versele-Laga.<div class="govspeak"><p>We wish to make wholesalers aware that Versele-Laga has issued a recall of Ornicure 150mg/g doxycycline powder for oral solution (Art No. 480573).</p>
<p>Stability tests have showed that certain bags of the 200g packaging of the product could be damaged minimally. The batches are being recalled from the market with immediate effect to the wholesaler level.</p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Batch numbers affected</th>
<th>expiry date</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>16L16 741</td>
<td>12-2019</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16L19 742</td>
<td>12-2019</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16L15 739</td>
<td>12-2019</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Versele-Laga are contacting wholesale dealers to arrange return of the affected batches. If you have any queries in relation to the recall, please contact Mr Andy Maheur, +32 9 381 31 86 or <a href="mailto:commseccs@verla.be">commseccs@verla.be</a></p>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3781562018-02-16T11:30:00+00:002018-02-16T11:30:00+00:00News story: Environment Minister visits North America to turn tide on marine plasticThérèse Coffey meets Canadian and American counterparts to discuss marine pollution objectives.<div class="govspeak"><p>Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey has joined forces with Canada and the USA in the fight against marine plastic.</p>
<p>During a visit to Washington D.C. and Ottawa this week, the Minister met her international counterparts to discuss the UK’s priorities for the marine environment ahead of the G7 Environment meetings to be held later this year.</p>
<p>Like the UK, Canada has already banned microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics, and the Minister met the country’s Environment and Climate Change Minister, Catherine McKenna, and Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, to look at how the two countries can unite in further tackling the threats facing our oceans.</p>
<p>Through its presidency of the G7, which includes a focus on climate change, oceans and clean energy, Canada will be pushing member states to take action to deal with plastic pollution, ocean acidification, and develop the blue economy.</p>
<p>Following her visit, the Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>There is no greater asset than our blue planet, and it is only by working together we can address the multitude of threats facing our marine life.</p>
<p class="last-child">In the UK we have already banned microbeads and cracked down on plastic bags, and in 25 years’ time we will have eliminated all avoidable plastic waste. I look forward to working with my international counterparts to do all we can to protect our oceans for future generations.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Minister McKenna and Minister Coffey also discussed the crucial role industry can play in turning the tide on plastic. And with businesses across the UK pledging to ban straws, cut plastic packaging and roll out water refills, the Minister met Mars and Coca Cola to see first-hand how big producers in the USA are tackling waste.</p>
<p>While in Washington D.C. the Minister also met Judy Garber, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the American Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, who was supportive of moving forward work on oceans – especially on improved data and marine mapping.</p>
<p>Minister Coffey also used a meeting with stakeholders from the Pew Charitable Trusts and the High Seas Alliance as an opportunity to discuss improving biodiversity in the marine environment.</p>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3781612018-02-16T10:41:34+00:002018-02-16T10:41:34+00:00Press release: Residents invited to Holmwood drilling site drop-in eventPublic drop-in Holmwood residents to find out more about the Environment Agency's role.<div class="govspeak"><p>The Environment Agency invites residents living near the Holmwood oil and gas exploratory site in Dorking, Surrey to a ‘drop-in’ event as part of its consultation on a permit application.</p>
<p>Visitors will be able to discuss the application and the process being followed to determine it, and talk to Environment Agency representatives about how they regulate oil and gas activities.</p>
<p>The event takes place at Dorking Halls (Martineau Hall), Reigate Road, Dorking RH4 1SG on Thursday 1 March, from 2pm to 7:30pm.</p>
<p>The consultation is open from 15 February to 15 March 2018 and follows an application by Europa Oil &amp; Gas Limited for a bespoke environmental permit, which is currently being considered by the Environment Agency.</p>
<p>The application is for a bespoke environmental permit to drill a new well. Europa Oil &amp; Gas Limited has also applied for permits to store oil on-site, and for the accumulation and disposal of radioactive waste from industrial activity. In deciding whether or not to issue the permits, the Environment Agency will take into account all relevant considerations and legal requirements.</p>
<p>Further information on the applications, a copy of thedraft decision document and details of how to comment <a rel="external" href="https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/psc/rh6-6hn-europa-oil-and-gas-limited/">can be found here</a>.</p>
<p>An Environment Agency spokesperson said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>This is a great opportunity for local people to find out more about the proposed operations at Holmwood and how the Environment Agency would regulate such activities.</p>
<p class="last-child">An environmental permit sets out stringent conditions that a site must adhere to. We will not issue an environmental permit for a site if we consider that activities taking place will cause significant pollution to the environment or harm to human health. Although we are minded to approve the applications for the bespoke and standard rules permit we are still in the determination process and a final decision has not yet been made. We want to hear from the public and understand people’s views on this application and to raise any concerns before we make any final decisions.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>For further information, please email <a href="mailto:KSLE@environment-agency.gov.uk">KSLE@environment-agency.gov.uk</a>.</p>
<p>All media enquiries: call 0800 141 2743.</p>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3781412018-02-16T10:30:00+00:002018-02-16T10:30:00+00:00News story: Esmya: no new treatment courses prescribed until further noticeTemporary safety measures have been introduced whilst the EMA review is ongoing following a further case of serious liver injury requiring liver transplant.<div class="govspeak"><p>In December 2017, the European Medicines Agency started a review of Esmya (Ulipristal acetate) for uterine fibroids after it was reported that four cases of serious liver injury had occurred after its use. In three of the cases a liver transplant was needed.</p>
<p>As of February 2018, temporary safety measures have been introduced whilst the review is ongoing following a further case of serious liver injury requiring liver transplant.</p>
<p>The advice is that no new treatment courses should be prescribed until further notice. Those who are already taking Esmya or have recently stopped, it is advisable that they have blood tests to monitor their liver function at least once a month whilst taking the medicine. Treatment with Esmya will be stopped if these blood tests show signs of a possible problem.</p>
<p>If women experience symptoms associated with liver problems (nausea, vomiting, feeling ill, lack of appetite, weakness, upper abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin/eyes) then they must stop treatment and seek medical attention immediately.</p>
<p>Esmya is used to treat moderate to severe uterine fibroids in adult women who have not yet reached the menopause. It is normally taken for up to three months but the course can be repeated.</p>
<p>It’s important to note that there are no concerns for individuals who have taken the emergency contraception ellaOne which also contains Ulipristal acetate. EllaOne is a single use medicine and as no cases of serious liver injury have been reported with its use to date there are currently no similar concerns with this medicine.</p>
<p><a rel="external" href="http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/medicines/human/referrals/Esmya/human_referral_prac_000070.jsp&amp;mid=WC0b01ac05805c516f">Further information about the EMA Review.</a></p>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3781322018-02-16T10:03:36+00:002018-02-16T10:03:36+00:00News story: Cheshire motorway couple first to benefit from free double glazingA Cheshire couple, who live less than 80 metres from a motorway, have become the first in England to benefit from a new free double glazing scheme to reduce noise.<div class="govspeak"><p>Fred and June Glass from Frodsham have taken advantage of a Highways England initiative which will see the owners of more than 3,000 homes across the country being offered free noise insulation by spring 2020.</p>
<p>Mr and Mrs Glass moved into their home around two years ago and were contacted by Highways England contractors due to its location close to the motorway.</p>
<p>The stretch of the M56 near their home is used by over 124,000 vehicles every day, meaning they previously had to put up with constant traffic noise at all times of the day and night.</p>
<p>Now, thanks to the scheme, the noise levels in their lounge and bedroom are like a library, and ventilation units have also been fitted which allow air into the rooms without the windows needing to be opened.</p>
<p>Funding for the free noise insulation scheme is part of a £39 million special fund which Highways England is using to reduce noise levels for people living close to motorways and major A roads; it also includes installing noise barriers and low-noise road surfaces.</p>
<p>Mr Glass said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>We are delighted to have new double glazed windows and frames installed, free of charge, to help with reducing the noise levels.</p>
<p>The entire process has been really easy and the communication with Highways England’s contractor, Forrest, and the care taken during the installation was superb.</p>
<p class="last-child">We’re really satisfied with the end result and have noticed a huge difference in day-to-day noise levels.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The scheme will usually involve upgrading windows, bi-folding doors and patio doors in bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms and studies with double glazing as well as installing ventilation units.</p>
<p>Highways England has identified locations where new glazing will be the best solution for reducing noise levels, and the owners of some 3,000 eligible properties will be contacted over the next few months to be offered free windows and doors.</p>
<p>Ian Holmes, Principal Noise Advisor at Highways England, said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Motorways are vital for connecting the country and supporting the economy but, at a local level, noise from the vehicles using them can affect people’s health and wellbeing.</p>
<p class="last-child">I’m delighted that Mr and Mrs Glass have noticed a significant reduction in the noise levels in their home, and look forward to bringing similar benefits to thousands of other residents.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Highways England has appointed Bolton-based construction company Forrest to carry out the first phase of its free noise insulation initiative.</p>
<p>Darroch Baker, Divisional Director at Forrest, said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>As a contractor with the ability to manage all aspects of this important scheme, including resident communication, property surveying and installation of the proposed improvements, we are thrilled to be appointed by Highways England.</p>
<p class="last-child">The project is a great opportunity to contribute to improvements in the health and quality of life of the population most exposed to high traffic noise levels.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>More details on the free noise insulation initiative are available on this <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-apply-to-highways-england-for-noise-insulation">guidance page</a> on how to apply for noise insulation.</p>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3780992018-02-16T09:59:28+00:002018-02-16T09:59:28+00:00News story: Plans outlined to extend 'settled status' deal to citizens from Iceland, Liechtenstein and NorwayDiscussions begin to grant residents from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway similar rights post-Brexit as those from EU Member States.<div class="govspeak"><p>Plans to grant residents from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway similar rights post-Brexit as those from EU Member States, have been outlined this week as engagement between the UK and the EEA EFTA members intensifies.</p>
<p>Following on from the agreement reached in December to secure the rights of the 3 million EU citizens living in the UK and the 1 million UK citizens living in the 27 Member States, government officials have met with their EEA EFTA counterparts in order to extend the deal to each other’s citizens.</p>
<p>The deal, which covers residency, healthcare, pensions, mutual recognition of professional qualifications and other benefits could be extended to the 18,000 Norwegian nationals, 2,000 Icelandic nationals and 40 Liechtenstein nationals living in the UK, and the 15,000 UK nationals in Norway, 800 in Iceland and 60 in Liechtenstein.</p>
<p>EEA EFTA citizens are covered by free movement provisions through the EEA EFTA states’ membership of the EEA Agreement. This allows them to currently move to the UK and other EU states, and similarly UK citizens are currently able to move to the three EEA EFTA states.</p>
<p>Following their meeting earlier this week the UK and EEA EFTA countries issued the following joint-statement:</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="last-child">Officials from the EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and the United Kingdom met on 12 February 2018 to discuss the agreement reached by the United Kingdom and the European Union on citizens’ rights in December 2017. Positive discussions on these issues took place at the meeting and the parties affirmed their desire to secure the status and protect the rights of UK nationals living in Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein and nationals of those countries living in the UK.</p>
</blockquote>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3781522018-02-16T09:51:00+00:002018-02-16T09:51:00+00:00Press release: Bovine TB strategy reviewThe government has announced a review of its 25 year Bovine TB strategy.<div class="govspeak"><p>The government has announced <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-strategy-for-achieving-bovine-tuberculosis-free-status-for-england-2018-review">a review of its 25 year Bovine TB strategy</a> to be chaired by Sir Charles Godfray, a population biologist and Fellow of the Royal Society.</p>
<p>Four years after the 25 year strategy was first published, Environment Secretary Michael Gove has said he believes now is a good time to review progress and consider what additional actions might be necessary now to ensure other tools and interventions are ready to be deployed in later phases of the strategy. The government has said it also envisages future reviews at five yearly intervals.</p>
<p>The 25 year strategy outlined a very broad range of interventions to fight the disease including tighter cattle movement controls and removal of infected cattle from herds, improved diagnostic tests, enhanced biosecurity measures, the culling of badgers in areas where disease is rife, vaccination of badgers and work to develop a viable vaccine for use in cattle.</p>
<p>So far, the principal elements deployed in the first phase of the strategy have been cattle movement controls, the removal of infected cattle from herds and the badger cull which covered more than 20 different areas in 2017. Michael Gove and Farming Minister George Eustice have said they want to ensure other elements of the strategy, such as cattle vaccination or developing genetic resistance, are ready to be deployed in the next phase of the strategy in order to ensure the government maintains progress towards its target of becoming officially TB free by 2038.</p>
<p>Farming Minister George Eustice said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="last-child">Bovine TB is a slow moving, insidious disease which presents many challenges. It is difficult to detect, can be harboured in the wildlife population and no vaccine is fully effective. There is no single measure that will provide an easy answer and that is why we are pursuing a wide range of interventions including cattle movement controls and a cull of badgers in areas where disease is rife.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p class="last-child">Now is a good time to review progress to date and identify steps we could take now to accelerate some of the elements of our 25 year strategy that might be deployed in later phases. While the badger culls are a necessary part of the strategy, no one wants to be culling badgers forever.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Bovine TB has a negative effect on the health and welfare of affected animals and dealing with the disease costs the taxpayer an estimated £100 million a year. Over the last year alone more than 30,000 infected cattle had to be slaughtered in England.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-strategy-for-achieving-bovine-tuberculosis-free-status-for-england-2018-review">review’s Terms of Reference</a> are available.</p>
<p>The review is due to end in September 2018. The findings will be submitted to Defra Ministers for consideration and a final report published in due course.</p>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3780582018-02-16T09:21:36+00:002018-02-16T09:21:36+00:00News story: GC offers APA validated postgraduate residential courseThe GC Programme organises an annual, fully residential week-long postgraduate course on the analysis and examination of food and feed.<div class="govspeak"><p>The Association of Public Analysts (APA) Educational Trust and the Government Chemist Programme in LGC organise an annual RSC-approved, fully residential week long postgraduate course on the analysis and examination of food and feed. The course will take place from 16 to 20 April 2018.</p>
<p>See attached programme for full details.</p>
<section class="attachment embedded" id="attachment_2545976">
<div class="attachment-thumb">
<a aria-hidden="true" class="thumbnail" href="/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/681615/Flyer_for_Analysis__Examination_of_Food_-_Reading_2018_d1.pdf"><img alt="" src="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/681615/thumbnail_Flyer_for_Analysis__Examination_of_Food_-_Reading_2018_d1.pdf.png"></a>
</div>
<div class="attachment-details">
<h2 class="title"><a aria-describedby="attachment-2545976-accessibility-help" href="/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/681615/Flyer_for_Analysis__Examination_of_Food_-_Reading_2018_d1.pdf">Analysis and Examination of Foods - Reading 2018</a></h2>
<p class="metadata">
<span class="type"><abbr title="Portable Document Format">PDF</abbr></span>, <span class="file-size">370KB</span>, <span class="page-length">2 pages</span>
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<p>The course, over a two year cycle, offers a distinctive learning experience, validated by active practitioners in the APA Training Committee, with unique features:</p>
<ul>
<li>a vibrant mix of lectures, laboratory practical sessions and interactive exercises</li>
<li>wide range of experts, not available together elsewhere</li>
<li>up to date teaching of safety (chemical and microbiological), authenticity, analysis and the law of food, water, feeding-stuffs and fertilisers</li>
<li>professional networking with peer group and leading experts, National Reference Laboratories, senior academic researchers and policy officials</li>
<li>alignment with the MChemA*syllabus</li>
<li>practical and relevant training in microbiology theory and hands-on laboratory work</li>
<li>tuition on foreign body identification and hands-on lab training in microscopy.</li>
</ul>
<p>The MChemA (Mastership in Chemical Anaysis) is the statutory qualification prescribed to practice as a Public Analyst by the Food Safety (Sampling and Qualifications) Regulations 2013</p>
<h2 id="who-is-this-course-for">Who is this course for?</h2>
<p>This course is particularly appropriate for aspiring MChemA candidates but will also be valuable for anyone working in a Public Analysts’ or food /animal feed laboratory who wishes to equip themselves with additional skills.</p>
<h2 id="course-details">Course details</h2>
<p>Topics will include food authenticity, microbiology theory and lab practical work, microscopy lab practical tuition, toxicology, drinking and bottled water quality, contaminants, food contact materials and food packaging taints. An evening session offers training in foreign body identification.</p>
<p>The accommodation will be in University hotel grade bedrooms with breakfast and evening meals taking place in ‘The Cedars’, located centrally on Reading University Campus. The teaching will take place in seminar rooms and laboratories.</p>
<h2 id="booking-information">Booking information</h2>
<p>If you are not able to join us for the whole week, do not hesitate to consider daily attendance. See leaflet for daily rates.</p>
<p>Return the completed <span id="attachment_2545980" class="attachment-inline">
<a href="/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/681617/Registration_Form_APA_course_2018.docx">Registration form</a>
(<span class="type">MS Word Document</span>, <span class="file-size">31.7KB</span>)
</span>
to <a href="mailto:walkermj@ntlworld.com">Michael Walker</a> to book the course by 29 March.</p>
<p>For any queries about the course or the activities of the Government Chemist please contact</p>
<div class="contact postal-address" id="contact_1885">
<div class="content">
<h3>Government Chemist</h3>
<div class="vcard contact-inner">
<p class="adr">
<span class="street-address">Queens Road</span><br>
<span class="locality">Teddington</span><br>
<span class="postal-code">TW11 0LY</span>
</p>
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<span class="type">Email</span>
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</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3781472018-02-16T07:00:13+00:002018-02-16T07:00:13+00:00Press release: Kent Law School puts Solicitor General in the ‘hot seat’Solicitor General Robert Buckland QC MP will take part in a ‘hot seat’ Question and Answer session as part of a visit to the University of Kent’s Law Clinic<div class="govspeak"><p>Solicitor General Robert Buckland QC MP will visit the University of Kent’s Law Clinic today to see the pro bono work happening there.</p>
<p>While there, the Solicitor General will also take part in a ‘hot seat’ Question and Answer session. The students will have the opportunity to ask questions about pro bono work and Public Legal Education.</p>
<p>The Solicitor General will also tour the new £5 million Kent Law Clinic as part of his visit and meet staff and solicitors from the local community who volunteer there. The Law Clinic takes on pro bono cases for individuals and community organisations who are unable to afford other legal services.</p>
<p>The Solicitor General said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Pro bono work often starts at universities and colleges, where students gain first-hand experience of providing legal advice and help to those in need.</p>
<p>The advice these students give will help make a real difference to people’s lives as well as to the communities in which they live.</p>
<p class="last-child">They are the next generation of lawyers, and the skills they gain now will put them in good stead in their future professional careers.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The students gain practical experience of the law in the clinic, and are involved in all aspects of casework. They undertake such tasks as interviewing clients, carrying out legal research, drafting statements of cases, negotiating and appearing as advocates before the County Court and other forums.</p>
<p>Professor John Fitzpatrick, Kent Law Clinic director said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>We are delighted that the Solicitor General is to visit the Kent Law Clinic, and warmly welcome his support for pro bono legal projects in universities.</p>
<p>Working in law clinics to provide a free legal service to those who need, but cannot to pay for access to the law offers students not only a new way of learning the law itself and very useful vocational skills, but also a new perspective on law and society.</p>
<p class="last-child">We can only make a small contribution of course, but we hope a rich one to those clients and students who are involved.</p>
</blockquote>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3781392018-02-16T00:15:32+00:002018-02-16T00:15:32+00:00Press release: Climate change means more frequent flooding, warns Environment AgencyThe Environment Agency has warned people to be prepared for flooding as it launches its Flood Action Campaign<div class="govspeak"><p>Intense bouts of flooding are set to become more frequent, the Environment Agency has warned today (Friday 16 February).</p>
<p>The warning follows a pattern of severe flooding over the past 10 years linked to an increase in extreme weather events as the country’s climate changes. Met Office records show that since 1910 there have been 17 record breaking rainfall months or seasons – with 9 of them since 2000. As intense storms are becoming more frequent, sea levels are also rising because of climate change.</p>
<p>The Environment Agency has today launched its <a rel="external" href="http://bit.ly/2j6469D">Flood Action Campaign</a>, targeting younger people through social media and online advertising to encourage them to check their flood risk at GOV.UK, sign up for free warnings and be prepared to take action when flooding hits. Research shows that 18 to 34 year olds are least likely to perceive flood risk to their area, know how to protect their homes or where to go for information. They are also at highest risk of fatality as they are less likely to perceive their personal risk.</p>
<p>Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Climate change is likely to mean more frequent and intense flooding. Floods destroy – lives, livelihoods, and property.</p>
<p class="last-child">Our flood defences reduce the risk of flooding, and our flood warnings help keep communities safe when it threatens. But we can never entirely eliminate the risk of flooding. Checking your flood risk is the first step to protecting yourself, your loved ones and your home.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In summer 2012, the lengthy period of drought the country had experienced came to an abrupt end when prolonged and intense rainfall increased the risk of flooding from rivers and surface water for long periods. Almost 8,000 homes and businesses were flooded across the country, particularly in the south west.</p>
<p>The winter of 2013 to 2014 started with a coastal surge and record sea levels on the north and east coasts. This was followed by 12 storms in succession and became the wettest winter for 250 years – 11,000 homes were flooded.</p>
<p>Winter 2015 to 2016 brought widespread flooding to 17,000 properties across the north of England, with named storms Desmond, Eva and Frank causing December 2015 to be the wettest month ever recorded.</p>
<p>The threat of flooding is real and increasing – as is also demonstrated by its listing as one of the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-risk-register-of-civil-emergencies-2017-edition">nation’s major threats</a>.</p>
<p>Last year, the Met Office published new innovative research which found that for England and Wales there is a 1 in 3 chance of a new monthly rainfall record in at least one region each winter.</p>
<p>By their very nature extreme events are rare and a novel research method was needed to quantify the risk of extreme rainfall within the current climate.</p>
<p>Professor Adam Scaife, who leads this area of research at the Met Office, said:</p>
<p>“The Met Office supercomputer was used to simulate thousands of possible winters, some of them much more extreme than we’ve yet witnessed. This gave many more extreme events than have happened in the real world, helping us work out how severe things could get.”</p>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3781112018-02-16T00:15:30+00:002018-02-16T00:15:30+00:00News story: Congestion busting scheme rolled out to benefit driversLane rental schemes could be adopted by councils nationwide after successful trials in Kent and London.<div class="govspeak"><p>Long traffic jams caused by roadworks could be a thing of the past as a scheme which has already significantly reduced delays in Kent and London is rolled out nationwide.</p>
<p>Lane rental schemes, where utility companies are charged up to £2,500 a day for digging up the busiest roads at peak times, could now be adopted by councils nationwide after successful trials in the south-east.</p>
<p>They incentivise firms to work on quieter roads or outside of rush hour, or even to collaborate with other companies to stop roads being dug up multiple times, to reduce the impact of roadworks on drivers.</p>
<p>Pilot lane rental schemes in London and Kent have seen congestion on the busiest roads drop, saving drivers time and boosting the economy.</p>
<p>Transport Minister Jo Johnson said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Drivers often see red when roadworks cause them delays, especially if no one is working on them.</p>
<p class="last-child">Lane rental has seen a massive drop in disruption to drivers as utility companies have changed when and where they carry out work. Now we want millions of motorists around England to get the same benefits.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The Department for Transport carried out a <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/future-of-lane-rental-schemes-for-roadworks">consultation into the scheme last year</a>, and the majority of those responding supported its rollout nationwide. Many said they wanted to take advantage of the ‘clear benefits’ of lane rental schemes.</p>
<p>RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>This is a very welcome announcement. Trials showed that some of the worst congestion caused by planned utility works in London was reduced by half on roads where lane rental was in operation, so rolling this out will extend the benefits nationwide.</p>
<p class="last-child">While motorists accept that some roadworks and congestion are unavoidable, lengthy and unnecessary queues are incredibly frustrating. RAC research suggests congestion on our roads and journey time reliability are growing concerns for motorists so introducing lane rental should encourage better planning and coordination of roadworks, and mean utility works are completed in a swifter, more efficient manner.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>About 2.5 million roadworks are carried out each year, costing the economy £4 billion in increased costs to businesses through late employees or deliveries.</p>
<p>In London, utility companies have worked together more than 600 times since lane rental was introduced in 2015, up from just 100 beforehand.</p>
<p>The Department for Transport will produce guidance in the autumn to help councils develop lane rental schemes for approval. The first schemes could start by the end of 2019.</p>
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</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3781232018-02-16T00:15:00+00:002018-02-16T00:15:00+00:00Press release: £45 million funding boost to support councils unlock land for thousands of homes79 projects will receive funding to support building up to 7,280 homes on council owned land.<div class="govspeak"><p>A £45 million cash injection into key community projects will help kick-start the building of thousands of new homes, Housing Minister Dominic Raab announced today (16 February 2018).</p>
<p>As part of government’s drive to get Britain building homes again, a total of 79 projects from Newcastle to Plymouth will receive funding to support building up to 7,280 homes on council owned land.</p>
<p>To support local councils to meet their ambition to unlock enough of land they own for at least 160,000 homes by 2020, they will be able to use the Land Release Fund money to combat barriers which would otherwise make land unusable for development.</p>
<p>The projects – which aim to support building strong communities – include a range of necessary works such as asbestos removal and bat alleviation, as well as schemes that will significantly improve quality of life such as essential relocating of a pelican crossing.</p>
<p>This move comes 2 weeks after the projects set to benefit from the first wave of funding from the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/866-million-investment-to-help-unlock-potential-200000-new-homes">£5 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund were announced</a>, helping to get up to 200,000 homes off the ground through investment in local housing projects. This is part of the government’s comprehensive strategy of planning reform and targeted investment to build 300,000 homes a year.</p>
<p>Housing and Planning Minister Dominic Raab said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>We are investing £45 million to build roads and provide utilities, so councils can release the land to get up to 7,280 new homes built.</p>
<p>It’s part of our strategy to build the homes Britain needs, and carry local communities with us.</p>
<p class="last-child">We’re determined to make buying or renting more affordable for young families and those on low or middle incomes.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Projects from Newcastle to Plymouth will receive funding from the Land Release Fund, which will enable:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire, to build new roads, roundabouts, and utility services, which will unlock up to 330 homes potentially built with Japanese modular housing techniques. The works will cost £1.7 million.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Worcester to demolish a leisure centre and undergo asbestos decontamination works near its city centre, helping to unlock up to 50 homes. The project will cost £750,000.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Paignton, Devon, to build a new 350m sewer, drainage upgrades and 2 new roads, which will help unlock up to 200 homes. The works will cost £1.9 million.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Brighton, Sussex, to divert a public sewer and make electricity substation and highways improvements. The £335,000 project will help unlock up to 30 homes.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>The Land Release Fund is being administered through a partnership with the Local Government Association and Cabinet Office’s One Public Estate (<abbr title="One Public Estate">OPE</abbr>) programme, which provides councils with funding and access to practical support to deliver property-based projects with wider public sector partners.</p>
<p><abbr title="One Public Estate">OPE</abbr> already works with 90% of councils in England to transform local communities and services through large scale economic growth, delivering new jobs and new homes.</p>
<h2 id="further-information">Further information</h2>
<p>The Land Release Fund competitively assessed bids from local authorities on value for money, innovation, and the contribution to wider government housing objectives.</p>
<p>A total of 79 bids were successful in the assessment process, which will see £45 million being awarded to 41 authorities.</p>
<p>The fund was oversubscribed with more than £100 million received in funding requests for 143 projects.</p>
<p>The successful bids will release land for homes by March 2020.</p>
<p>In a <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-awards-councils-new-funding-to-transform-local-communities">funding announcement</a> on 11 December 2017, One Public Estate gave councils - and their public sector partners - access to £8.7 million of funding, as well as practical support and expertise, to help them develop and deliver ambitious property programmes to benefit their communities.</p>
<p><abbr title="One Public Estate">OPE</abbr> provides councils with funding and access to practical support and expertise to deliver property-based projects with wider public sector partners, including central government departments.</p>
<p>The joint initiative enables publicly-owned land and buildings to be used more efficiently and deliver real benefits to communities across the country, including new jobs and better services.</p>
<p>See details on the bids:</p>
<section class="attachment embedded" id="attachment_2552543">
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</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3781262018-02-16T00:15:00+00:002018-02-16T00:15:00+00:00Press release: New measures to help farmers and growers in the food supply chainGovernment announces a range of measures including compulsory milk contracts and £10m collaboration fund to provide greater security for farmers.<div class="govspeak"><p>A ‘collaboration fund’ of up to £10 million has been announced today (16 February) as part of a series of measures to help farmers and small producers compete and thrive alongside larger businesses in the food supply chain.</p>
<p>The fund will be designed in consultation with the farming industry and will work by bringing together those interested in co-operation. These groups will be supported by the funding to formally establish, develop or expand, so that farmers and growers can take advantage of new market opportunities to help their businesses thrive. Collaboration between farmers can bring substantial economic benefits, enabling farmers to benefit from economies of scale, share knowledge and jointly market their produce.</p>
<p>The move was announced today in the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/groceries-code-adjudicator-extending-its-remit">Government response</a> to the consultation on the remit of the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/groceries-code-adjudicator">Groceries Code Adjudicator</a>, along with a range of other measures which will come into force to help protect the rights of farmers and small producers, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Introducing compulsory milk contracts between producers and purchasers to help protect dairy farmers by setting out clear terms, including the price for the delivery of milk, the timing of deliveries, the duration of the contract, details of payment procedures, and arrangements for collecting and delivering raw milk</li>
<li>A requirement that slaughterhouses use a standard grid for the classification of sheep carcasses to help ensure farmers are paid per carcass in a more transparent manner, providing more certainty for farmers in the price they will get for their animals</li>
<li>A commitment to work with industry to explore improving transparency and access to prices along the supply chain, to help farmers and small producers see if they are getting a fair deal for their produce</li>
<li>An assessment from the Competition and Markets Authority into whether more grocery retailers could come under the remit of the GCA</li>
<li>Tackling late payments by highlighting to farmers and small producers the role of the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-small-business-commissioner-to-help-small-firms-resolve-payment-disputes">Small Business Commissioner</a>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Announcing the measures Farming Minister George Eustice said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>This package of measures is designed to improve transparency and integrity within the food supply chain and to support collaborative business models where producers can come together to strengthen their position or work jointly on specific areas of work.</p>
<p class="last-child">Too often in the past, farmers have ended up being price takers and there have been too many instances where a lack of transparency in prices and charges by some processors has undermined the market. If we want a successful farming industry in the future then it is essential that we have properly functioning markets and that farmers receive a fair share of the value of the food they produce.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Business Minister Andrew Griffiths said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>This Government’s Industrial Strategy is building a Britain in which suppliers of all sizes can get a fair deal. The Groceries Code Adjudicator has already made a significant impact, with suppliers reporting retailers’ improved compliance with the Code.</p>
<p class="last-child">Today’s announcement will build on this good work, protecting suppliers and ensuring their rights are enforced when it comes to late payments.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The measures will be designed with the farming industry and apply to farmers and smaller producers in England and are expected to be brought in later this year. The collaboration fund will open for applications later this year.</p>
<h2 id="background">Background:</h2>
<ol>
<li>The Groceries Code Adjudicator is the independent regulator ensuring that the UK’s largest grocery retailers treat their direct suppliers lawfully and fairly</li>
<li>Small Business Commissioner was launched in December 2017 to support small businesses in resolving payment disputes and tackle unfair payment practices. The Commissioner handles complaints between small business suppliers (with fewer than 50 staff) and their larger customers</li>
<li>The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy introduced a regulatory amendment on 5 February clarifying business representatives’ right to legally challenge unfair payment behaviour, such as late payment, on behalf of their members.</li>
</ol>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3781502018-02-15T19:51:28+00:002018-02-15T19:51:28+00:00Press release: PM calls with the leaders of Sinn Fein and the DUP: 15 February 2018Prime Minister Theresa May spoke to the leaders of Sinn Fein and the DUP about the recent phase of political talks in Northern Ireland.<div class="govspeak"><p>A No 10 spokesperson said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Prime Minister spoke to the leaders of Sinn Fein and the DUP on the phone earlier this evening about the recent phase of political talks in Northern Ireland.</p>
<p>In both phone calls the Prime Minister expressed her disappointment that an agreement had not yet been reached despite recent progress being made by everyone involved.</p>
<p>She reiterated how the government remains absolutely committed to restoring an Executive and that it is still her firm belief that restoring devolved government - so that democratically elected politicians can make locally accountable decisions - is in the best interests of everyone in Northern Ireland.</p>
<p>The Prime Minister was clear that she still believes the basis for an agreement exists and recognised the leadership both parties had shown over past weeks and months. She urged them both to reflect on the recent phase of talks in order to find the best way forward.</p>
<p class="last-child">On next steps, the Prime Minister was clear that the UK government has a responsibility to consider what needed to be done to protect the interests of Northern Ireland in the ongoing absence of an Executive. She added that the Northern Ireland Secretary would continue to work closely with the parties, and the Irish Government in accordance with the three stranded approach, to support that process.</p>
</blockquote>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3781492018-02-15T19:06:28+00:002018-02-15T19:06:28+00:00Press release: Charity regulator sets out scope of statutory inquiry into OxfamUpdate regarding the Charity Commission's investigation into Oxfam<div class="govspeak"><p>The Charity Commission, the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales, has today set out the scope of its statutory inquiry into Oxfam, registered charity number 202918.</p>
<p>The inquiry was opened on 12 February 2018 after the Commission examined documents sent on Monday by Oxfam regarding allegations of misconduct by staff involved in its humanitarian response in Haiti. The Commission has concerns that Oxfam may not have fully and frankly disclosed material details about the allegations at the time in 2011, its handling of the incidents since, and the impact that these have both had on public trust and confidence.</p>
<p>The purpose of the statutory inquiry is to:</p>
<ol>
<li>examine the charity’s governance (including leadership and culture), its management and its policies and practices with regard to safeguarding, in the context of the applicable law, good practice and its obligations as a charity, both generally and particularly in relation to:
<ul>
<li>its response, general handling and disclosure to the Commission, statutory funders and other key donors, agencies and stakeholders in relation to serious safeguarding incidents which have taken place since 2011 including its Haiti programme</li>
<li>its responsibility to provide a safe environment for its beneficiaries, staff and other charity workers in the delivery of its overseas programmes and generally</li>
<li>its recruitment and supervision of its employees, volunteers and other charity workers</li>
<li>maintaining its reputation as a major aid charity which can be entrusted with international, governmental and public support and the confidence of its beneficiaries, staff and volunteers</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>scrutinise and review the charity’s progress with implementing the requirements in the action plan agreed with the Commission in 2017 and ensure such other actions that may be required to address the findings from the inquiry’s work are undertaken</li>
</ol>
<h4 id="michelle-russell-director-of-investigations-monitoring-and-enforcement-at-the-charity-commission-said">Michelle Russell, Director of Investigations, Monitoring and Enforcement at the Charity Commission said:</h4>
<blockquote>
<p>Acting in the public interest as regulator, this inquiry must and will establish the facts about what the charity knew about events in Haiti in 2011, and how it responded at the time and since. The inquiry will also help us, and the public, understand Oxfam’s overall approach to safeguarding those who come into contact with the charity – whether they be beneficiaries, staff, volunteers, or the wider communities in which they work. Resolving this is key to upholding public and donor trust and confidence in charity.</p>
<p class="last-child">This week Oxfam’s Chair Caroline Thomson has given us an unequivocal commitment to co-operating fully with the inquiry to ensure our work progresses thoroughly and speedily and to resolving the issues faced by the charity to restore public trust and confidence in Oxfam.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>It is expected that the inquiry will review and consider:</p>
<ul>
<li>case records to test and verify assurances on the charity’s handling of cases</li>
<li>the charity’s handling of the allegations in Haiti; the extent of the charity’s knowledge of similar allegations against its staff which predated Haiti (including Chad and Liberia); and the matters or risks arising from its handling and subsequent decision making</li>
<li>the charity’s reporting and communications with law enforcement and other agencies and donors, including DFID and DEC</li>
</ul>
<p>Anyone with information that could be relevant to the inquiry is advised to contact <a href="mailto:%20OxfamInquiry@charitycommission.gsi.gov.uk">OxfamInquiry@charitycommission.gsi.gov.uk</a>.</p>
<p>The inquiry will assess what additional actions will need to be taken by the charity in order to address the findings from the inquiry’s work and to assist in restoring public trust and confidence in Oxfam. The scope of the inquiry will include the charity’s trading division and may be amended if other issues emerge during the course of the investigation which raise additional regulatory concerns.</p>
<p>It is the Commission’s policy, after it has concluded an inquiry, to publish a report detailing what issues the inquiry looked at, what actions were undertaken as part of the inquiry and what the outcomes were. <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/inquiry-reports-charity-commission">Reports of previous inquiries</a> by the Commission are available on GOV.UK.</p>
<p>The charity’s details can be viewed on the Commission’s <a rel="external" href="http://apps.charitycommission.gov.uk/Showcharity/RegisterOfCharities/CharityWithPartB.aspx?RegisteredCharityNumber=202918&amp;SubsidiaryNumber=0">online charity search tool</a>.</p>
<p>Ends</p>
<h4 id="notes-to-editors">Notes to editors</h4>
<ol>
<li>Charity Commission is the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales. To find out more about our work, see our <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charity-commission-annual-report-and-accounts-2016-to-2017">annual report</a>.</li>
<li>Search for charities on our <a rel="external" href="http://apps.charitycommission.gov.uk/showcharity/registerofcharities/RegisterHomePage.aspx">online register</a>.</li>
<li>Section 46 of the Charities Act 2011 gives the Commission the power to institute inquiries. The opening of an inquiry gives the Commission access to a range of investigative, protective and remedial legal powers.</li>
<li>The Commission has been engaged with Oxfam on its safeguarding culture and practices since last year. As a result of the Commission’s engagement, the charity committed to a number of actions in <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charity-case-report-oxfam/oxfam-case-report">late 2017</a> to review and improve:
<ul>
<li>the charity’s governance of safeguarding, including leadership, culture, role modelling and internal reporting;</li>
<li>the charity’s HR culture, policies and practice;</li>
<li>the charity’s organisation structures, management reporting lines and resourcing to support the effective delivery of the charity’s safeguarding objectives; and</li>
<li>the safeguarding management framework where the charity has shared responsibilities in the Oxfam confederation, in particular with Oxfam International</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
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</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3781422018-02-15T16:43:00+00:002018-02-15T16:43:00+00:00News story: Firing of 50,000th simulated round from turret trainer signals savings of £125MThe 50,000th simulated round has been fired from an AS90 Turret Trainer signalling savings of approximately £125 million to the Ministry of Defence.<div class="govspeak"><p>The trainer, based at Tidworth Garrison in Wiltshire, was first introduced in 2005 to train the commander, gunner and loader of an AS90 - a self-propelled 155mm Howitzer gun.</p>
<p>It is designed to allow gun crews to practice their routine firing drills, turret operating procedures and crew duties without the expense of live firing and offers the immersion and realism of firing, with a reduced safety risk and a highly reduced cost.</p>
<figure class="image embedded"><div class="img"><img src="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/image_data/file/71809/DES-2018-055-0173.jpg" alt="Crown Copyright"></div></figure>
<p>Based on a real AS90 turret, the trainer uses an electro-mechanical system to fully replicate a complete firing cycle. This includes the weight and size of the artillery rounds and the noise and turret movement on firing.</p>
<p>Since the trainer was introduced more than 8,500 soldiers have used the equipment. This experience enhances their safety for when they progress to live firing and allows them to focus on more advanced training scenarios.</p>
<p>Defence Minister Guto Bebb said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="last-child">This equipment provides high quality training for the British Army that’s also cost efficient. As live firing events are extremely expensive and can be logistically challenging, using the AS90 turret trainer is a great alternative. It also offers immersive training that prepares users for live firing both in practice and on the battlefield.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The 50,000th simulated round was fired by Lieutenant General Paul Jaques, Chief of Materiel (Land) at Defence Equipment &amp; Support (DE&amp;S), the MOD’s procurement agency based at MOD Abbey Wood in Bristol.</p>
<p>Lt Gen Paul Jaques said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="last-child">This firing marks another milestone demonstrating Defence’s innovative and cost-saving approach to deliver effective and worthwhile training for our personnel. I’m exceedingly proud of the team’s work and the benefits gained by the soldiers that get to use the training equipment.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The milestone, on February 14, represented savings of approximately £125 million over a 12-year period on the basis that live rounds cost £2,500 per use.</p>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:AnnouncementPresenter/3743932017-12-20T15:49:00+00:002018-02-15T15:24:52+00:00News story: Accelerator Innovation Network Event: Regenerative medicine at the front lineThe Defence and Security Accelerator held an event in Bristol on 1 February 2018 to provide information on the regenerative medicine at the front line themed competition.<p><em>Updated:</em> Innovation network event Information pack link</p><div class="govspeak">
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<p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/regenerative-medicine-at-the-front-line-network-event-information-pack">The information pack is now available.</a>.</p>
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<p>Suppliers who attend the event heard presentations about the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/accelerator-competition-regenerative-medicine-at-the-front-line">regenerative medicine at the front line themed competition</a> which seeks to make a real difference by saving lives and reducing disabilities.</p>
<p>The competition is looking for proposals for regenerative technologies that can be applied very early after severe, traumatic injury resulting from combat or acts of terrorism.</p>
<p>Recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan saw step changes in trauma care that led to great improvements in survival following blast or ballistic trauma. This has meant, however, that people survive with increasingly life-changing injuries.</p>
<p>Our belief is that the very early use of approaches in regenerative medicine, one of the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/eight-great-technologies">UK Government’s 8 great technologies</a>, has the potential to further revolutionise front line trauma care to save lives and to improve the quality of life for survivors.</p>
<p>This competition has 2 challenges:</p>
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<li>bioengineered blood and blood components</li>
<li>the preservation and regeneration of soft tissue using biophysical approaches</li>
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<p>The outputs from this work would be developed for use by the UK’s Defence Medical Services and other organisations who deliver trauma care in challenging environments. These approaches should also reduce the burden on later care supplied by both MOD and the NHS.</p>
<p>Up to £500,000 is available for phase 1 of this themed competition and at least a further £500,000 will be available for phase 2.</p>
<p>This competition closes at midday on 11 April 2018.</p>
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